Such increases point to the distinct possibility that reserves for bad debts will rise, cutting into earnings.

In both 1987 and 1988, the company managed to discover so much oil and gas that its proved reserves rose even before including acquisitions.

Malaysia's foreign reserves rose strongly in September, and there is anecdotal evidence that consumers are starting to spend again.

Investors prefer to see reserves rise at the same rate that an insurer's premiums grow.

The bank said that write-offs and additional reserves against potential losses on loans to companies would rise to $1.4 billion in the third quarter.

Britain's reserves have been rising since the fall, and the May figures represent the third substantial increase in a row.

Singapore's foreign reserves rose to $92.46 billion in October, compared with $81.31 billion a year earlier.

Nigeria's foreign reserves rose from $2 billion in 1999 to $43 billion on leaving office in 2007.

When results for the first quarter of 2001 were made public, reserves, he said, had risen by $63 million.

These reserves have risen to $1.1 billion, compared with $250 million last December.