No government could survive without champagne. In the throat of our diplomatic people [it] is like oil in the wheels of an engine.

The story is not oil, the story is gas,

The combination of large deals and a decline in oil prices was the highlight of today's trading session. The week started on a more positive note, with good news on both corporate and economic fronts.

Oil prices are increasing and (US) consumer spending is strong.

Inflation is the wild card for 2006, with rising oil prices, an increase in commodity prices, slow productivity gains and rising interest rates.

The facility was built on a former coconut palm oil plantation. People who visited it then said it was a virtual jungle. Today when you arrive there it looks like a version of Silicon Valley.