Wall Street, which had been hoping for a sixth half-point cut, was disappointed.

ECONOMIST: Overview

England will be hoping that fly-half and leading points scorer Jonny Wilkinson can repeat the heroics that helped them win the tournament in 2003.

BBC: Boks defeat still hurts - Vickery

In Iraq, the Americans are hoping for a turnout of more than half of the 15m-odd eligible voters.

ECONOMIST: Iraq: It'll soon be time, at last, to vote | The

He is hoping to complete the marathon circuit in about fourand-a-half hours.

BBC: Dentist gets teeth into racing

The 64-cap scrum-half started all three Tests of the 2005 Lions tour in New Zealand and will be hoping to make this year's trip to South Africa.

BBC: Wales omit Peel for Six Nations