Analysis

Traders say benchmark prices for raw materials are off as much as 27 percent of the time.

Banks plan to offer compensating balance arrangements overseas.

Banks plan to offer compensating balance arrangements overseas.

Companies that export goods to multiple countries must deal with mounting number of pacts.

Companies that export goods to multiple countries must deal with mounting number of pacts.

The bank payment obligation (BPO) provides similar protection for sellers as an L/C does, but far more efficiently.