TRADERS JOCKEY FOR POSITION AT THE BOURSE IN SAO PAULO, 1999-01-19 (photo)

Traders jockey for position at the stock exchange in Sao Paulo January 19. Stocks were barely up at after midday trading. The government raised the key interest rate to 41 percent from 29 percent Tuesday, a move analysts say should bring more stability while the country gets its fiscal house in order. Wall Street's first reaction to Brazil after a three-day holiday weekend was mildly upbeat before turning downward. Local markets were encouraged by the interest rate increase aimed at protecting the real currency, which has lost 23 percent of its value over the past week. GN/SV/JDP