27th Dec 2007

Here is the latest news which may affect the world:

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (CNN) -- Pakistan's former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was assassinated Thursday in the wake of a suicide bombing that killed at least 14 of her supporters, doctors, a spokesman for her party and other officials said. Bhutto is helped from her vehicle following the October 18 suicide attack on her motorcade. 1 of 2 Bhutto suffered bullet wounds in the aftermath of the bomb attack, TV networks were reporting. Police warned citizens to stay home as they expected rioting to break out in city streets as a shocked Pakistan absorbed the news of Bhutto's assassination. Video of the scene just moments before the explosion showed Bhutto stepping into a heavily-guarded vehicle to leave the rally. Bhutto was rushed to Rawalpindi General Hospital -- less than two miles from the bombing scene -- where doctors pronounced her dead. Watch aftermath of the attack. » Former Pakistan government spokesman Tariq Azim Khan said while it appeared Bhutto was shot, it was unclear if the bullet wounds to her head and neck were caused by a shooting or if it was shrapnel from the bomb. Watch Benazir Bhutto obituary. » The bomber detonated as he tried to enter the rally where thousands of people gathered to hear Bhutto speak, police said. Read about Bhutto's turbulent history. The number of wounded was not immediately known. However, video of the scene showed ambulances lined up to take many to hospitals.

Unexpected as it is, one of Parkistan's politicans has been a target of terrorism and US futures were affected and stocks opened lower due to this. Such unexpected events would always trigger some confusion in the markets due to uncertaintity and I can expect some form of volatility in the markets. My take is the market might be volatile for the next few days, at least till monday or wednesday after new year itself.

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