61.   Autumn struck the economy in October, chilling it so much that some economists worried that an economic slowdown was taking hold just before the holiday shopping season.

62.   Automakers and paper producers, the companies most sensitive to an economic slowdown, paced the decline.

63.   BankBoston is endorsing Latin America as many investors consider pulling out amid concern an economic slowdown in Asia could spread to other markets.

64.   Banks were also lifted by the perception they are safe investments amid market volatility and an economic slowdown in Asia.

65.   Banks were also lifted by the perception they are safe investments during a period of market volatility and an economic slowdown in Asia.

66.   Bank and utility stocks are perceived as defensive investments because they pay steady, high dividends, sheltering investors from an economic slowdown.

67.   Base metal demand has declined because of the recent economic slowdown in Asian countries.

68.   Auto makers will continue to face a slump in demand in the first quarter amid an economic slowdown, analyst said.

69.   Back home, Japan was suffering its worst economic slowdown since World War II.

70.   Because of the economic slowdown, lower hotel rates will be found throughout the country this summer.