51.   Cheap Asian imports have helped keep prices in check, which in turn, has kept a lid on interest rates.

52.   Commodity producers that have high costs are also getting hit, since slower growth in Asia will keep a lid on prices.

53.   Competition from South American exporters could keep a lid on corn and soybean prices, traders said.

54.   Concession industry profits have been hurt by rising expenses and competition keeps a lid on price increases, Tuttle said.

55.   Consumers also are tightening their pursestrings and holding back economic growth while helping keep a lid on prices.

56.   Cold weather has kept the lid on the garden, and the few ambitious shoots that have shown to date seem to be thinking better of it.

57.   Concern the bid would face referral to antitrust authorities kept a lid on the stock price.

58.   Corporations led the way the past several years, with rampant restructuring slowing job growth and keeping a lid on raises.

59.   Demand for funds is poor when economies are feeble, which also keeps a lid on interest rates.

60.   Despite weaker sales in past quarters, Home Depot was expected to show improvement as Nardelli kept a lid on expenses and cleaned out slow-moving inventory.