1.   Analysts blamed the second consecutive monthly decline on strong first-quarter demand, strikes at GM and Chrysler Corp., and consumer caution.

2.   As a simple rule of thumb, many people define a recession as two quarters of consecutive decline in the gross domestic product.

3.   As a more general rule of thumb, economists tend to define a recession as two consecutive quarterly declines in the gross domestic product.

4.   Bargain hunting in technology stocks lifted the Nasdaq composite index to its third gain in four sessions after seven consecutive declines.

5.   Blue-chip stocks recovered from an early selloff Thursday to end with a modest gain after four consecutive declines.

6.   Bond prices received some support Wednesday by the third consecutive decline in gold prices, whose recent rally had troubled the Treasury market over the last week.

7.   A drop in third-quarter earnings would be the third consecutive quarterly decline.

8.   Additionally, analysts surveyed by Bloomberg News expect producer prices were unchanged in March following consecutive monthly declines in January and February.

9.   Additionally, fewer Americans than expected applied for state unemployment benefits last week -- the third consecutive weekly decline, a sign labor markets remain healthy.

10.   Additionally, fewer Americans than expected applied for state unemployment benefits last week, the third consecutive weekly decline, a sign that labor markets remain healthy.