11.   Economists had expected a drop.

12.   Economists had expected a drop because of the weakness of the dollar and a presumed cooling of the American economy.

13.   Economists surveyed by Bloomberg Business News had expected a drop of four-tenths of a percent.

14.   Executives say the audience drop was expected, mirroring the pattern in Europe where the series originated.

15.   Few price drops are expected as the season progresses.

16.   Four analysts surveyed by Bloomberg News expect a gain in inventories last week while four others expect a drop.

17.   In addition, sales declined in single digits when the company still expected double-digit drops.

18.   Industry officials here said they expected the drop, attributing it to seasonal buying habits that have traditionally resulted in lower home sales in November.

19.   It also expects a drop in volumes in the North America and Asian markets.

20.   Lloyds Chemists has said it expects a drop in second-half profit.