21.   The decline, however, was not as severe a downturn as many economists expected.

22.   The most obvious is a more severe economic downturn.

23.   The recoveries are a welcome sign of renewed investor confidence in the ability of central banks and national governments to prevent a severe downturn.

24.   These programs are important to an area that suffered a severe downturn within recent memory.

25.   They acknowledged, however, that the severe economic downturn and a renewed effort by Pepsi have made for a challenging situation in Venezuela.

26.   While Toyota and Honda reported solid earnings despite severe downturns throughout Asia, Nissan warned that more red ink was imminent.

27.   Philips joins a long list of technology companies slashing jobs amid a severe downturn in the economic backdrop.

28.   Pitsuwan arrived in Jakarta on Monday to convey a message of encouragement from Thai Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai on enduring the severe economic downturn.

29.   A severe economic downturn has slowed or stopped growth in many East and Southeast Asian nations since last year.

30.   Both sides acknowledge a severe downturn in the economy could have a dramatic effect on the elections.