There's speculation that once the New Year begins, the market may return to trades based on interest-rate differentials.

The dollar had been oversold on worries that damage inflicted by Katrina would be extensive and very serious.

Prices have fallen 25 percent since their record highs in September. After the New Year, motorists can expect prices to begin rising as refineries cut back production to conduct their annual maintenance and begin the process of producing the summer blend of gas, which must be completed by the end of February.

The Russian New Year exploit is by far the most serious of the increasing number of mobile code exploits appearing in the last six months. We cannot emphasize enough how important it is for anyone conducting electronic commerce to inspect all information coming into their company to look for these types of attacks before they cause damage.

Nice way to start a new year, don't you think.

Demand has been affected, but not very significantly, mainly due to the approach of the New Year. I expect high gold prices will have a more serious impact on consumption after the holidays.