21.   The sales fanned speculation that European central banks were selling gold in order to raise revenue to held them qualify for European economic and monetary union.

22.   West German state inflation reports also fanned such speculation.

23.   While the move was widely expected, it fanned speculation that the Bundesbank may raise rates before the U.S. does.

24.   But his long service as mayor and party boss of the capital fanned speculation he was too powerful to prosecute.

25.   But more recently he had been coy about his intentions, fanning speculation that he might insist on seeing out the full term.

26.   Ramos fanned speculations he will not step down when he said last week that he is keeping his options open on whether he will run again.

27.   Stronger industrial production figures and a report this week showing stronger business sentiment have been fanning speculation about a rate increase.

28.   Tabloids have contradicted reports that his operation ended succesfully, fanning speculation that Susak is acutely ill.