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"We don't like the word 'war', we prefer to call it 'competition'," says Jörg Franke, board member of Deutsche Börse, the holding company for the German futures exchange (Deutsche Terminbörse - DTB). He's referring to a belligerent comment back in March by Liffe chairman Daniel Hodson about the rivalry between the London financial futures exchange and its German counterpart.

French prime minister Lionel Jospin wants to increase government spending. But the Bundesbank won't let France into Emu if its budget deficit rises. Unless one gives way, Emu is off. By David Roche.

The "irrevocably fixed" exchange rates that come into effect in January 1 1999 may not be quite as fixed as Emu proponents claim. Peter Garber explains how the set-up of Target will leave the system open to attack from speculators.

Whether we like it or not, whether it arrives on time or not at all, the euro is already a factor in financial markets. Laws have been made about it, and adapted to it. Government, companies and banks are spending millions, to be prepared for the Big Bang on January 4 1999. That preparation requires rigorous practicality and fantasy, because none of this has been seen before, let alone road-tested. Euromoney here makes a leap of foresight and fantasy. We asked writers and experts from all areas of the market to explore the issues as they see them - the dangers, the unresolved snags, the legal wrangles and the risks that all institutions are being forced to take. The intention is to offer an unbiased collection of the very latest ideas, remembering that the euro is a moving target.

Intersec 250: Clash of the titans, once again

Asian brokers: The old hands fight back

Banks are so desperate to hire high-calibre staff that in recent rounds of recruiting it was MBA students who were asking the questions before they decided on an employer. But the most fluid job market in more than a decade carries its own pitfalls for graduates - it's easier to land up in the wrong job and the wrong firm. Charles Piggott advises on how to stay on track

SBS-Agro: $250 million, three-year maturity

Total-return swaps, options on credit spreads, default swaps - they all tend to be more talked about, than transacted. Except, that is, in Latin America, where banks and portfolio investors are starting to realize the big advantages of using credit derivatives. Andy Webb reports.

The volatility of equity derivatives markets in some emerging Asian economies, fed by regulatory anomalies and liquidity shortages, offers the potential for big gains for those with strong nerves. Hong Kong's new status will open up opportunities as well. By Andy Webb.

There have been so many bank acquisitions in the US in the past few weeks it is tempting to think that the financial mergers & acquisition boom must now be over. Simply, it seems there are few suitable banks or investment banks left to buy. In truth, the acquisition wave has only just begun.

Why does Chase Manhattan Bank's television commercial feature Manchester United slotting goals into the net to a Cantonese commentary? The footage appears courtesy of the biggest football match in Hong Kong this year, which Chase sponsored and made possible - the clash between English champions Manchester United, and the top Hong Kong side South China. Chase is believed to have spent HK$10 million ($1.3 million) to persuade Manchester's "red devils" to come to post-handover Hong Kong.