111.   At the State Department, the major goal of Middle East experts is to prevent a precipitous reduction of American troops in the coming months, officials there said.

112.   Automobile, machine and electronics makers were hit the hardest, and many of these companies will be decreasing production and new hires in the coming months.

113.   Bank of Canada Governor Gordon Thiessen said Canadian businesses need a sustained climate of low inflation to increase profit and stimulate economic growth in coming months.

114.   Bankruptcies may continue rising in the coming months, particularly in the construction industry, as companies succumb to credit problems on the back of slumping sales.

115.   Bankruptcies and unemployment will likely surge in coming months.

116.   Banks, which are expected to increase loan business as companies finance expansion over coming months, also scored big gains.

117.   Base metals were also lifted by expectations industrial demand for commodities will increase in the coming months, said Mohr.

118.   Bavaria said two weeks ago that it would separate its beer and soft-drink business from its financial and industrial investments in coming months.

119.   Automobile, machine and electronics makers were worst hit, and many of these companies will be decreasing production, and hiring, in the coming months.

120.   BBL is likely to take center stage on the acquisition and merger scene in coming months, analysts said.