The U.S. leads markets

United Press International:

Analysis: Iraq aside, U.S. leads markets

WASHINGTON, March 6 (UPI) -- When it comes to the war in Iraq, U.S. allies are becoming scarcer by the day while the number of countries either skeptical or downright hostile towards the Bush administration's policy increases. But in matters of global finance, there is no doubt that not only does the United States still dominate markets worldwide, countries are only eager to listen to the Bush administration, too.

The fact that the administration has finally appointed someone of stature in Henry Paulson as its top financial diplomat has only boosted the United States' standing when it comes to providing leadership in the world economy. For while market forces ultimately rule the bourses worldwide, independent of interventions from any government, the right words from the right people can make a huge impact especially at a time such as now when investors remain on their toes following the massive sell-off in stocks worldwide last week.