21.   Speculation mounted that computer chip makers may start seeing higher prices for some types of chips because of robust demand for personal computers.

22.   Speculation mounted that the regime would soon abandon the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif, where American strikes seem to have had a devastating effect.

23.   The rate-cut speculation mounted late last week after the Economics Ministry said that German economic growth ground to a halt in the third quarter.

24.   While the speculation mounted that Tkachuk would be traded, the two pals talked frequently, with Drake enthusiastic about the chance of being reunited with his old friend.

25.   But he still declined to talk as speculation mounts that he will go race-by-race if he has a good day Sunday.

26.   But speculation has been mounting that the IRA could soon agree with disarmament officials to seal one or more of its hidden arms dumps with concrete.

27.   Meanwhile, speculation mounted on who would replace Alain Juppe, who on Monday announced plans to step down.

28.   Meanwhile, speculation mounts that the current spy agency chief will be forced to resign from his job.

29.   Speculation had been mounting that she might once again delay her comeback.

30.   Speculation mounted that South Korea was moving to request an International Monetary Fund bailout.