51.   The slide came one day after the Bank of Canada increased its benchmark rate for the third time this year to bolster the dollar.

52.   The unexpected move raised anticipation that the Bank of Canada and the Federal Reserve may consider raising their own benchmark rates to keep their securities competitive.

53.   Then, the Reserve Bank cited sluggish employment as a catalyst for cutting the benchmark rate, which financial institutions are charged for overnight loans.

54.   Tomorrow, the central bank holds its regular auction of securities repurchase certificates, which set the benchmark rate.

55.   Traders bet the higher Tibor rate would lead to a rise in the benchmark swap rate, the London Interbank Offer Rate, or Libor.

56.   TXU spokesman Chris Schein praised the benchmark rates.

57.   Traders are awaiting the report for an indication that the Bank of Canada will lift its key benchmark rate to damp growth and keep inflation in check.

58.   Unlike corporate bonds, loans shield investors from interest rate risk because their coupons float, or vary, based on changes in underlying benchmark rates.

59.   An increase in the benchmark rate would have quickly translated into higher borrowing costs for millions of businesses and consumers on everything from auto loans to credit cards.

60.   Fed policy-makers were meeting privately Tuesday to consider changes in the benchmark rate on overnight loans between U.S. banks.