41.   Some banks raised concerns about the costs of mergers and an increase in consumer credit losses.

42.   Some traders said they think the bank will raise rates as soon as this week to defend the currency from falling further.

43.   South African banks also raised their consumer lending rates, hitting homeowners and buyers and threatening to exacerbate an economic slowdown.

44.   So the banks raised their rates, choking off growth by making debt payments more onerous and future loans more expensive.

45.   Speaking in Boston last week, Thiessen said the bank will probably raise rates soon to ensure the economy keeps growing at a robust pace without stirring inflation.

46.   So, banks are raising other rates to make up for the lost revenue and because of the record number of personal bankruptcies.

47.   Some banks are also raising assorted penalty fees.

48.   Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd. led developers lower after banks raised mortgage lending rates.

49.   That is because, with short-term lending rates high, banks can raise cash from depositors relatively cheaply.