11.   The mark has strengthened after Bundesbank officials suggested Tuesday and Wednesday that Germany no longer wants a weaker mark or a stronger dollar.

12.   The mark strengthened against the dollar as West German business confidence last month unexpectedly rose, fueling speculation German interest rates could head higher before long.

13.   The mark strengthened Friday against the French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and British currencies.

14.   The mark has strengthened because of speculation the monetary union may not proceed as planned.

15.   The mark strengthened also because of political concern in Italy, traders said.

16.   The mark strengthens whenever monetary union looks less likely to go ahead, leaving German officials unwilling to fuel the debate.

17.   The U.S. currency often suffers when the mark strengthens against other European currencies because speculators look for all opportunities to buy the mark.

18.   To be sure, if the mark strengthens too much, European central banks may step in to sell marks to curb its strength, some traders said.

19.   When the mark strengthens, sales in other currencies translate into fewer marks.

20.   When the mark strengthens against other European currencies, it is likely to rise against the dollar, Yamaguchi and others said.