71.   Analysts said both reports could offer encouragement to the Federal Reserve to further tighten interest rates.

72.   And a second report Friday also offered signs of a slowdown.

73.   But recent reports have offered signs that the economy and the climate for manufacturers may be improving.

74.   But recent reports offered signs that the economy may be improving.

75.   But the report offered no specific recommendation for increasing the amount of oil Iraq can export under the oil-for-food program that began last year.

76.   But the report offered no specific recommendation for increasing the amount of oil Iraq can export under the oil-for-food program.

77.   Economists said the report offered further evidence that the Fed will boost interest rates next month.

78.   However, the report did not offer any further detailed breakdowns of the Hispanic population below the state level.

79.   Meanwhile, three new reports offered scant hope that the economy is improving.

80.   Meanwhile, two other reports released Thursday offered more positive news for the domestic economy.