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Standardization is a technique often used in demographic studies to eliminate from the crude rates the effect of differences in the age-sex composition of the population. It is most useful when making comparisons between two populations, or for the same population over time. The article "Standardization and Standardized Rates" introduces the application of standardization, illustrated with the computation of standardized death rates, using the direct and indirect methods.

The April 1996 issue of the Hong Kong Monthly Digest of Statistics is now on sale at $50 a copy. It contains the most up-to-date information on Hong Kong's situation regarding economic growth, the labour market, inflation and many other social and economic issues.

Purchase of this publication can be made at the Government Publications Centre, ground floor, Low Block, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong. The publication is also available for sale at the Publications Unit of the Census and Statistics Department, 19th floor, Wanchai Tower, 12 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong. Regular subscription can also be arranged with the Publications (Sales) Office of the Information Services Department on 2598 8194.

End

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations

Cumulative

Time

$ million

(hours)

change ($million)

Opening balance in the account

1,599

0930

+994

Closing balance in the account

2,616

1000

+999

Change attributable to:

1100

+1,001

Money market activity

+1,017

1200

+1,001

LAF today

Nil

1500

+1,001

1600

+1,017

LAF rate 4.00% bid/6.00% offer TWI 123.8 *+0.0* 24,4.96

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