51.   There are still some big risks, he said, including the possibility that consumers will become so concerned about the outlook that they will stop spending.

52.   There are several reasons for thinking that consumers will become a bit more cautious.

53.   This will put more pressure on manufacturing employment, and as the jobless rate heads up, consumers may become more cautious.

54.   When the monthly reading drops, it means consumers are becoming less optimistic about the economy.

55.   When the monthly reading increases, consumers are becoming more optimistic about the economy.

56.   While banks are more willing to raise foreign-transaction fees, Ms. Sherry said, consumers are becoming more conscious of credit-card costs in general.

57.   Why should consumers suddenly have become so pessimistic?

58.   Penny-pinching Japanese consumers became even more skittish amid a string of high-profile bankruptcies of financial institutions in recent months.

59.   About the only good news at home for Italian wine producers is that consumers are becoming more discriminating.

60.   Amid the present difficulties, consumers have become more selective in terms of ensuring the highest value for money.