Throughout Social Security's history, benefit adequacy has been balanced with equity.

On October 6, Brazilians will vote in the first round of an election to determine the successor to President Fernando Henrique Cardoso.

Raising the EEA may be one of the most effective options available for improving retirement-income security and would improve the federal budget in one year nearly as much as the recent health reform bill was projected to do over ten years.

Brazilian president Lula da Silva must balance his needs for votes with the demands for economic stability and international confidence.

All of Brazil's presidential candidates advocate soft-populism while at the same time some are attempting to reassure the business, banking, and investment communities at home and abroad.

Theoutcome ofBrazilian Cardoso's reform program will shape the future of Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay and influence developments in Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia.

All of the candidates in the race for Brazil's presidency advocate one sort of soft-populism or another, while at the same time some are attempting to reassure the business, banking, and investment communities at home and abroad.