That 7.5 percent figure has been bantered around in official circles all year.

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It is still fashionable in official circles to blame speculators for weak currencies.

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Although seldom acknowledged in official circles, the Pentagon wields huge economic power.

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While the general public is blissfully ignorant of this reality, such an astounding degree of U.S. dependency has been well-documented and is widely known in official circles.

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While there is uncertainty in official circles about the accuracy of the Iraqi announcement, Iraq is known to have vigorous programs underway in each of these areas.

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Mantega has become the official face of Brazilian economic policy in international circles now that well known superstar Central Banker Henrique Meirelles has left his post under the new government.

FORBES: Brazil's Embattled Chief of Staff Resigns; Women Run Pres Palace