" Singapore-based Bruce Gale of the Political and Economic Risk Consultancy agrees: "There are a number of checks and balances in the Philippine system that might make Estrada not quite the disaster some people predict he will be.

CNN: IS ESTRADA UNSTOPPABLE?

In periods of heightened economic and political risk, investors demand higher risk premiums to hold stocks.

FORBES: Everybody's Talkin' Double-Dip

Political and economic stability are at risk throughout Latin America.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Now, confirm Secretary Reich