1.   Another manufacturer, water heater and packaging group Southcorp Holdings, also has warned of lower profit, citing a slump in demand for its home appliances.

2.   At least one company cited a slump in its shares as a reason to buy back its stock.

3.   Airlines to the region also cite a slump in passengers and fares.

4.   Other analysts cited a slump in the bond market, which pushed interest rates higher in the afternoon just ahead of the fall in the stock market.

5.   Citicorp is retreating from the mortgage securities business, citing a slump in demand for the investments caused by higher interest rates.

6.   Northwest Airlines says it will lose more money in the second quarter than previously expected, citing the slump in business travel and higher fuel prices.