Business news for Mon, 24 Dec 2007 & with words money+threatening. 2 news.

SRI Lanka's central bank will probably keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged at the highest level in Asia in a bid to contain inflation without threatening economic growth. Central Bank of Sri Lanka Governor Nivard Cabraal will leave the repurchase rate at 10.5 percent for a 10th straight meeting, according to nine of 11 analysts surveyed by Bloomberg News. Two expect a half point increase. The decision is due tomorrow in Colombo. The central bank forecasts the economy will next year expand between seven percent and 7.5 percent, the fastest pace in 30 years, as the government spends money to rebuild the eastern region captured from Tamil Tiger rebels in July. Cabraal said last month that borrowing costs at a five-year high were sufficient to bring inflation below 10 percent next year from about 20 percent now. "The central bank will look to fuel growth as much as possible," said Geeth Balasuriya, an analyst at HNB Stockbrokers Pvt in Colombo. "Although

It's been a nerve-wracking year for investors, with the subprime mortgage collapse, oil threatening $100 a barrel and the prospect looming of the first U.S. recession in more than six years. Crain's spoke with Chicago-area money managers for thoughts on 2007 and what might await in 2008. DOLLAR ...