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THE Latin bond issue queue is brimming with high quality deals scheduled for launch in coming months as names like Brazil, Venezuela, Uruguay, Pemex and Petrobras look to take advantage of improved investor sentiment. This week the Federative Republic of Brazil took bids for a DM1bn 10 year bond; Venezuela is understood to have mandated a $500m 20 year deal to JP Morgan for issue in the first half; Uruguay is expected to launch a $200m 10 year deal via ABN Amro before the end of March; Pemex this week began roadshows for a $700m seven and 20 year Yankee bond and Petrobras will make its first entrance this year with a $100m to $150m two year issue via Chase.

* International Bank of Reconstruction and Development Rating: Aaa/AAA

* BGB Finance (Ireland) plc Guarantor: Bankgesellschaft Berlin AG, Berliner Bank AG, Landesbank Berlin Girozentrale

THE STEADY decline in dollar spreads during 1998 appeared to slow this week, with the five year sector in particular beginning to buckle under the weight of supply. The turning point of the softening came on Tuesday, ensuring mixed receptions for issues launched that day.

A STRING of small and medium cap companies from Germany are gearing up to issue new shares, spurred on by the rising domestic demand for equity. According to bankers, more of them are also electing to list their shares on Frankfurt's main market and the Neuer Markt. Merrill Lynch and West LB were mandated for one such deal this week when they were hired as bookrunners for the flotation of Kamps, one of the largest retail bakeries in Germany.