The Listin Diario?s economic section is reporting that the relative stability of the exchange rate over the past few weeks has begun to reap some positive effects on the local marketplace. Firstly, according to the report, agricultural prices began to decrease, with prices for manufactured goods following suit. Powdered milk, edible oils, canned goods, processed meats, and salted cod and herring became less expensive. Refined sugar and salt have yet to come down in price. According to Jairon Severino, powdered milk fell 10.7% last week and even red beans came down about RD$2.50 a pound or RD$5.00 a kilo. Pablo Adon Guzman, the president of the National Business Union, said the lower prices were a reflection of the decreased peso cost of a dollar in the exchange market. Guzman attributed the process to the signing of the IMF agreement and a renewed confidence in the future. He pointed to a 10% decrease in the cost of disposable diapers that meant a RD$50 savings per package. The government has announced a program to supply small retailers with rice at RD$7.00 a pound.