21.   Other key industries reported gains, though, and analysts said the Commerce Department report suggests the U.S. economy is gaining strength after a midwinter lull.

22.   Peruvian stocks dropped as investors grew concerned about the stagnant economy, while they awaited positive signs the economy will gain strength.

23.   Recent signs that the US economy is gaining strength have raised the possibility that the Federal Reserve might have to hike interest rates to keep growth in check.

24.   Q. The bank seems to think the economy is gaining strength.

25.   Signs that the U.S. economy is gaining strength, which could spur inflation, boosted gold prices and sent stock and bond markets lower.

26.   Some analysts have argued the Fed may not need to raise interest rates even after the economy gains more stable footing because inflationary pressures appear to be virtually non-existent.

27.   Spector and Greenberg in effect lined up with Rhodes in arguing that Mexico remains a good investment, because its economy is slowly gaining in efficiency and industrial production.

28.   Stocks and bonds slumped as the employment statistics and separate reports on manufacturing and consumer confidence suggested the economy may gain too much strength for Federal Reserve policymakers.

29.   Such companies stand to benefit as investors grow more optimistic that the economy will gain strength, Wachtel said.

30.   The economy will also gain a timely boost.