31.   The decline reflects robust industrial demand from consumers such as wire fabricators and plumbing manufacturers in the construction industry, as well as automakers.

32.   The declines mostly reflected the U.S. losses.

33.   The decline in assessment reflects the stagnant property market, where prices have fallen six straight years.

34.   The decline reflected an increase in U.S. dollar spending by the Bank of Canada to defend a weak Canadian currency, government figures showed.

35.   The decline reflected concern that higher prices will stifle consumer demand for bullion for jewelry in key markets like India, China and the Middle East, analysts said.

36.   The decline reflected continued weakness in capital spending by businesses but helped the Tokyo stock market recoup losses posted earlier because of high-technology earnings worries.

37.   The decline reflected goodwill write-offs and interest charges from the purchase last year of PCS Health Systems, a big managed care drug distributor.

38.   The decline reflects a drop in demand for all sport coupes, a Toyota spokesman said.

39.   The decline reflects fewer exports and greater travel abroad as a result of a string of traditional holidays early in the month.

40.   The decline reflects higher rebates to lure skeptical consumers in the months before the company unveils its redesigned Concorde and Intrepid cars and Durango sport utility vehicle.