31.   Private economists, however, were more cautious, saying that danger signs such as slipping business confidence were clouding the outlook.

32.   The unpredictability of crude supplies clouds the outlook for gasoline prices, it said.

33.   In addition, it said, the outlook had become clouded by the recent appreciation of the yen against the US currency.

34.   The United Nations was until recently wary of resorting to the use of force, and these missions have clouded the outlook for the international organization.

35.   Shah said the near-term outlook was further clouded by dim earnings prospects for companies.

36.   The corporate earnings outlook was clouded by a report Tuesday from Motorola, which reported an unexpected drop in fourth-quarter profits.

37.   The entire outlook was clouded by the risk of a further terrorist attack in the United States.