31.   Endesa refused to comment on the reports, while the five investment companies involved said speculation of a possible sale was unfounded.

32.   Entertainment industry publications and tabloid newspapers have been filled with speculation of a Jackson-Presley marriage for more than two months.

33.   European currencies failed to benefit from comments by Bundesbank officials quashing speculation of an imminent rate rise in Germany.

34.   Employment reports are widely viewed as the most market-moving of economic releases and can prompt speculation of higher rates.

35.   Financial service companies got a lift after Banc One agreement to purchase First USA fueled speculation of further consolidation in that industry.

36.   Financial issues led the decline, tumbling twice this week amid speculation of rising interest rates.

37.   For the first time since the Clinton White House was rocked with allegations of sexual misbehavior and cover-up, there is public speculation of a Gore presidency.

38.   French stocks rose, led by Elf Aquitaine SA and its drug unit Sanofi SA, amid speculation of mergers and acquisitions in the pharmaceutical industry.

39.   For weeks, Fleet shares have risen on speculation of a takeover bid by Chase Manhattan or First Union Corp. of Charlotte, North Carolina.

40.   German government bonds posted their first losses in a week after signs of an expanding economy checked speculation of speedy cuts in interest rates.