ALSO . . .

* Both supporters and opponents of tougher bankruptcy laws said a new study bolsters their case. The American Bankruptcy Institute found that 3% of people who petition courts to sweep away their debts could afford to repay them. Opponents of reform say the percentage is low and shows that current laws are working. But the National Consumer Bankruptcy Coalition said the study affirms the need for a federal means test to determine whether bankruptcy filers are actually able to repay their debts--part of legislation now stalled in Congress. Nearly 1.4 million Americans filed personal bankruptcies in 1997, up 300% since 1980.

* The International Monetary Fund, the U.S. and other creditors are expected today to offer Brazil more than $9 billion in aid amid signs that investors are already showing renewed faith in Latin America’s largest economy. The IMF’s board is scheduled to consider releasing $5.3 billion, while major industrial nations will contribute more than $4 billion. That money--and another major cash infusion expected in a few weeks--is part of a $41.5-billion package announced Nov. 13 to prevent a Brazilian default or currency devaluation.

* Starwood Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest owner of hotels, is talking with pop entertainer Michael Jackson and his business partner Don Barden about selling the Desert Inn casino in Las Vegas or forming a joint venture to develop the property.