51.   A large majority of Austrians voted in favour of joining the European Union in a referendum Sunday, according to initial estimates confirmed by early regional results.

52.   Among the economic reports expected were the employment cost index, Tuesday, and the initial estimate of first-quarter gross domestic product, Wednesday.

53.   Experts generally had forecast the initial estimate of three percent would remain unchanged.

54.   Experts had anticipated the figure would hold at an initial estimate of three percent.

55.   The upward revision surprised analysts who had expected the final figure to confirm the initial estimate.

56.   There was no immediate word from authorities on any injuries or damage, and no initial estimate of the magnitude.

57.   Trading was light on expectations of US-Japan trade talks resuming Friday and the impending release of initial estimates for second-quarter US GDP figures.

58.   Israel television, giving initial estimates, said Foreign Minister Ehud Barak was just a few points ahead of Interior Minister Haim Ramon and Tourism Minister Uzi Baram.

59.   Sources said initial estimates put the fraud at several hundred thousands of dollars, but the total amount could be higher.

60.   Shipments of laser printers, digital photocopiers and other items are also exceeding initial estimates, he added.