The most important factor influencing the movement of the Japanese stocks lately has been the yen devaluation.

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Iain McMillan, director of CBI Scotland, said the recovery of the US markets would be the main factor influencing exports, adding that the risk to the Scottish economy would "increase dramatically" if there was no improvement in America next year.

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Ms Teather added that there was overwhelming evidence that a child's development in the first five years' of their life is the single biggest factor influencing their future life chances, health and education attainment.

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It will certainly be a powerful factor in influencing the strategic character and allegiances of the coming, reunified Germany.

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The U.S. stock indexes posted a solid rebound Thursday, and the stock market continues to be a major factor influencing gold and many other markets.

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Another significant factor influencing medium-term trends in inflation is the public's expectations of inflation.

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The Royal College of Physicians also said it was not surprised that being able to access alcohol easily was an important influencing factor on current drinking patterns and drunken-ness of teenagers.

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