VOA标准英语10月-Asian Stocks Rally as Optimism Grows Over Global

Asian stock markets have risen for a second consecutive¹ day on optimism that government rescue efforts will heal the stricken global financial system. Japanese stocks soared by 14 percent. In Australia, investors² were encouraged by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's plan to spend billions of dollars to strengthen the economy. From Sydney, Phil Mercer reports.

Japan lead the gains in Asian markets Tuesday as the benchmark Nikkei 225 index surged by more than 1,100 points, or 14 percent - a stunning³ reversal after plunging⁴ nearly 10 percent Friday.

It was the Nikkei's biggest single-day gain in history.

The positive mood has been repeated across the region.
　

Traders react as the Philippine Stocks Exchange surges 154.9 points or 7.3 percent to close at 2,273.65 points at Manila's financial district of Makati, 14 Oct 2008

Stock prices in South Korea, the Philippines and Indonesia jumped by more than six percent, and key indexes in Australia and Hong Kong rallied more than three percent.

The recovery in Australian stocks, which went into freefall at the end of last week, followed a decision by the government to spend more than $7 billion to try to stave off recession.

The funds will come from the budget surplus, which has been amassed⁵ largely on the back of a mining boom that has seen vast quantities of Australian minerals exported to China and India.

Some economists⁶ say the stimulus⁷ package may not be enough to prevent Australia slipping into a recession after 17 years of uninterrupted growth.

In a nationwide address, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd was optimistic about the future, but said that immediate⁸ action was needed.

"The global financial crisis has entered into a new, dangerous and damaging phase, one which goes to the real economy, growth and jobs," said Mr. Rudd. "And that is why the government has decided⁹ to act decisively and early on the question of this economic security strategy for the future; an economic security strategy to help underpin¹⁰ positive economic growth into the future and to provide practical support for households."

The recovery of Asian stock markets followed a surge in the Dow Jones Industrial Average, which gained more than 11 percent Monday - its biggest one-day gain since 1933.

Investors were reacting to efforts by the U.S. government to inject capital into banking¹¹ system to stimulate¹² lending, which has dried up in the global credit meltdown.

1 consecutive   

adj.连续的，联贯的，始终一贯的

参考例句：

• It has rained for four consecutive days.已连续下了四天雨。
• The policy of our Party is consecutive.我党的政策始终如一。

2 investors   

n.投资者，出资者( investor的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• a con man who bilked investors out of millions of dollars 诈取投资者几百万元的骗子
• a cash bonanza for investors 投资者的赚钱机会

3 stunning   

adj.极好的；使人晕倒的

参考例句：

• His plays are distinguished only by their stunning mediocrity.他的戏剧与众不同之处就是平凡得出奇。
• The finished effect was absolutely stunning.完工后的效果非常美。

4 plunging   

adj.跳进的，突进的v.颠簸( plunge的现在分词 )；暴跌；骤降；突降

参考例句：

• War broke out again, plunging the people into misery and suffering. 战祸复发，生灵涂炭。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
• He is plunging into an abyss of despair. 他陷入了绝望的深渊。 来自《简明英汉词典》

5 amassed   

v.积累，积聚( amass的过去式和过去分词 )

参考例句：

• He amassed a fortune from silver mining. 他靠开采银矿积累了一笔财富。
• They have amassed a fortune in just a few years. 他们在几年的时间里就聚集了一笔财富。 来自《简明英汉词典》

6 economists   

n.经济学家，经济专家( economist的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• The sudden rise in share prices has confounded economists. 股价的突然上涨使经济学家大惑不解。
• Foreign bankers and economists cautiously welcomed the minister's initiative. 外国银行家和经济学家对部长的倡议反应谨慎。 来自《简明英汉词典》

7 stimulus   

n.刺激，刺激物，促进因素，引起兴奋的事物

参考例句：

• Regard each failure as a stimulus to further efforts.把每次失利看成对进一步努力的激励。
• Light is a stimulus to growth in plants.光是促进植物生长的一个因素。

8 immediate   

adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的

参考例句：

• His immediate neighbours felt it their duty to call.他的近邻认为他们有责任去拜访。
• We declared ourselves for the immediate convocation of the meeting.我们主张立即召开这个会议。

9 decided   

adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的

参考例句：

• This gave them a decided advantage over their opponents.这使他们比对手具有明显的优势。
• There is a decided difference between British and Chinese way of greeting.英国人和中国人打招呼的方式有很明显的区别。

10 underpin   

v.加固，支撑

参考例句：

• China needs regional stability to underpin its continued economic growth.中国需要地区稳定来巩固其持续的经济增长。
• These developments are underpinned by solid progress in heavy industry.重工业的稳固发展为这些进展打下了基础。

11 banking   

n.银行业，银行学，金融业

参考例句：

• John is launching his son on a career in banking.约翰打算让儿子在银行界谋一个新职位。
• He possesses an extensive knowledge of banking.他具有广博的银行业务知识。

12 stimulate   

vt.刺激，使兴奋；激励，使…振奋

参考例句：

• Your encouragement will stimulate me to further efforts.你的鼓励会激发我进一步努力。
• Success will stimulate the people for fresh efforts.成功能鼓舞人们去作新的努力。