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Georgia is experiencing stability for the first time after five years of war and economic collapse. And with a team of young reformers in charge, the foundations exist for a period of sustained economic growth. By Selina Williams

Last September in this column, I argued that the industrial economies could be heading for much lower growth than expected in 1997. Now I'm even more convinced that OECD growth will fall short of consensus estimates, which means that central banks will not be raising short-term interest rates until late this year. This affects all investment decisions. It means that the yen will be strong, and the Deutschmark and dollar weak in 1997; bond yield curves will flatten.

Banks have become more sophisticated in the way they choose their law firms. But have they got it right yet? By Christopher Stoakes.

Banco de Poggibonsi e di Colle Pottine,

With foreign investment flowing in, Mexico should enjoy two years of economic growth. But can it sustain the recovery without another crash? By Jennifer Tierney

Poll of Polls: The rise of DMG

Poll of Polls: The rise of DMG

Japan's public-sector institutions have the luxury of borrowing with a guarantee from their government. But they waste the opportunity, paying as much as 10 basis points more than they should for funds. The reason: lack of professionalism and bureaucratic meddling. Garry Evans reports.

The Spanish government is expected to open at least two new markets this year to provide the fixed-income sector with greater depth and liquidity. Jules Stewart reports on the interest generated as the treasury casts off its cumbersome traditional approach to borrowing.

The jumbo Pfandbrief was designed to attract international investors to what had been largely a domestic German debt instrument. Until recently, though, it was being marketed as if Germans were the target. Non-Germans want clearer pricing information, conventional credit ratings and more warning of upcoming issues. Some issuers are responding, not least because the Pfandbrief looks like being Germany's main contender in European debt markets when a single currency is instituted. Antony Currie reports.

As the world enters the fifth year of economic growth, regulators, shareholders and creditors of international banks must be starting to wonder what horrors are building up on the banks' balance sheets. Disturbingly, the problem loans if they exist will probably be hidden from public scrutiny in the form of bilateral lines. No doubt they are being justified to the banks' internal credit committees by that well-worn excuse that they are essential to maintain relationships with clients that offer other, more profitable business.

Still big, but more sensitive