11.   Speculation grew that he might try to form a coalition government with former Prime Minister Shimon Peres, the Labor leader.

12.   Speculation grew that he would retain the Defense Ministry for himself, as Rabin had, while raising three rising stars in the Labor Party to new prominence.

13.   Speculation has been growing that the U.S. might raise interest rates as the economy expanded in recent months, raising the possibility of inflation.

14.   Speculation grew in the stock market that some contractors may start failing, as sluggish economic growth and declining land and stock prices pinch cash flows.

15.   Speculation grew that the drug company is considering a merger with Glaxo Wellcome Plc. Officials at London-based Glaxo declined to comment.

16.   Speculation grew.

17.   Speculation has grown that the launch of the planned single European currency will be delayed as German economic weakness has depressed revenues and pushed welfare spending up.

18.   Such speculation grew after the Ministry of Finance yesterday unveiled new measures to encourage Japanese investment overseas and weaken the yen.

19.   Such speculation is growing because Japanese interest rates are at historic lows, making yen-denominated deposits less attractive.

20.   Speculation grew that Hong Kong may devalue its currency like Asian nations have done in recent months.