At that rate, it forecasts that 2010 will probably end up being the hottest year since records began in 1850, surpassing the previous high recorded in 1998.

When private economists began analyzing various stimulus proposals in January, they said that none would have a major effect on the jobless rate until the end of the year.

In the U.S., 15 Wall Street Banks have pledged to do more than 90% of their eligible credit and interest-rate derivative trades through central clearinghouses by year end.