21.   The banks have also preferred to lend to the repurchase market to earn high interest at low risk instead of extending additional credit for businesses.

22.   Thirachai Bhuvanatnaranubala, assistant governor of the central bank, earlier expressed his belief that the negative yield curve would not last long because banks normally preferred long-term loans.

23.   These banks would prefer to close the chapter, by disposing of the pledged shares and concentrating on new business.

24.   Traders said most banks preferred to hold on to dollars.

25.   Pending a final decision, the banks preferred to hang on to the funds, Sugar said.