Long abstract

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Financial markets in major economies have been broadly strong after some weakening in the first part of the fourth quarter of 2005. Equity markets in the euro area have been buoyant over the past few months, and the strong upswing of Japanese markets in the fourth quarter was perhaps driven by prospects of the end of deflation. The US equity markets have grown at a somewhat slower pace than their G7 peers, but have recovered well from the adverse effects of the late-summer hurricanes.