41.   Brokers said the market was boosted by expectations of continued growth in the Philippine economy this year.

42.   But there are concerns about the large trade deficit and fears that early signs of the financial difficulties enveloping Thailand may be emerging in the Philippine economy.

43.   Concern over the health of the Philippine economy also weighed on sentiment toward the peso, they said.

44.   Economists said Monday they believe the Philippine economy slipped into recession during the third quarter because of heavy crop losses and lower manufacturing output.

45.   Fears of more bad loans as the peso weakens and the Philippine economy slows down are also weighing down on Manila shares, particularly bank stocks, Kane said.

46.   Fears of more bad loans as the peso weakens and the Philippine economy slows down are also weighing on Manila shares, particularly bank stocks, Kane said.

47.   Filipino workers abroad, particularly in the Middle East, provide crucial support to the Philippine economy.

48.   Foreign investment has surged as confidence has increased in the Philippine economy.

49.   Foreign investors remain bullish on the Philippine economy.

50.   He added that the IMF noted that the Philippine economy has fared better that other countries affected by the crisis.