11.   While exceptionally severe winter weather in the Northeast certainly exaggerated the decline, analysts said, they also noted that activity weakened in all regions.

12.   Commerzbank said the recent price declines were exaggerated, but does not expect any more than a slight rally in the next few sessions because of continuing strong uncertainty.

13.   Profit-taking exaggerated the decline and was then further fed by sales to cut losses, according to a trader with a European bank here.

14.   The decline was exaggerated by a thin volume of trading before a long weekend here and in the United States.