11.   Some economists point to the rise of the dollar against other foreign currencies as a moderating force.

12.   Still, many economists point to low levels of joblessness, rising incomes and consumer confidence as signs that consumers still have untapped spending power.

13.   Treasury Department economists had pointed to problems that have since roused political storms and public fear.

14.   Yet economists also point to disturbing signs of over-capacity among Chinese manufacturers and express concern about the real estate bubble in large cities like Beijing and Shanghai.

15.   Economists have pointed to the weakness in the U.S. economy, now in a recession, as one factor hurting German exports.

16.   Economists pointed mainly to the U.S. economic juggernaut as the reason for the slide.

17.   Economists also point to the fact that states can set their own levels either above or below the minimum.

18.   Economists pointed to comments Wednesday by Bank of Japan Governor Yasuo Matsushita as heightening prospects of an imminent easing.

19.   Economists pointed to comments on Wednesday by Bank of Japan Governor Yasuo Matsushita as heightening prospects of an imminent easing.

20.   Economists pointed to the data as further evidence that British interest rates should be raised.