71.   The Ingersoll-Rand bid prompted speculation FKI would abandon its bid instead of launching a counteroffer that would drive its debt higher.

72.   The greater-than-expected increase prompted speculation the Bank of Canada may be forced to match U.S. interest rate increases to choke higher prices in Canada.

73.   The leadership struggle prompted speculation of a takeover attempt.

74.   The move prompted takeover speculation in other South Carolina banks, trader said.

75.   The Mavericks has been unable to locate him, prompting speculation he could be considering defecting.

76.   The news that Seaver was replacing McCarver instantly prompted speculation that manager Bobby Valentine had a hand in the change.

77.   The London Metal Exchange reported a sharp increase in warehouse inventories of copper, particularly in the United States, prompting speculation that the bull market is over.

78.   The move prompted speculation that Barrick may be poised to make a large purchase.

79.   The potential merger has prompted speculation about more consolidation of the pharmaceutical industry, and analysts have named Merck as a candidate to take over smaller companies.

80.   The prisoners are being held not at a prison, but at a military detention center, prompting speculation that the hard-line Revolutionary Guards are behind their prosecution.