11.   Expectations grew that the Federal Reserve would lower short-term interest rates soon after a report showed that manufacturing activity slowed in November for the fourth straight month.

12.   Expectations also grew that third-quarter profits will disappoint investors.

13.   Expectations grew when the president dispatched his diplomatic trouble shooter, Anthony Zinni, back to the region with a cease-fire proposal.

14.   How, scientists ask, did expectations grow so quickly?

15.   Prices of Treasury securities rose Friday for the third consecutive session as expectations grew that the Federal Reserve would soon reduce short-term interest rates.

16.   Such expectation grew after the collapse of Hokkaido Takushoku Bank Ltd. yesterday, following the failure of Sanyo Securities Co. two weeks ago.

17.   That spurred a selloff in U.S. stocks as expectations grew that higher yields would crimp corporate profits.

18.   That spread could expand further as expectations grow for another U.S. rate increase when Federal Reserve policy-makers gather next month.

19.   Those expectations grew after the Japanese government Friday forecast weaker industrial production in months ahead.

20.   Those expectations grew after the Japanese government Friday predicted industrial production will decline in June.