1.   Shares of consumer product companies that post steady earnings increases even when the economy slows gained this week.

2.   One reason for this was the lesson Philips and other consumer electronics companies had learned about the importance of global standardisation.

3.   Already, venture capital firms have been getting cool receptions from mutual fund managers and other big investors for their consumer Web site companies.

4.   Also showing strength on Tuesday was a broad range of consumer product companies.

5.   Although consumer long-distance companies are expected to feel the pressure from a new competitor, Sprint officials said they will respond by bundling wireless, Internet and local services.

6.   Although consumer products companies are considered defensive stocks that remain healthy in weak economies, they can still be hurt if the economies weaken enough.

7.   Although a number of large consumer electronics companies endorsed ScriptX, Kaleida was late delivering the program, and the multimedia market took off without it.

8.   Although licensing is rare in the technology industry, it is expected to become more commonplace as computer makers become more like consumer companies.

9.   Although we pride ourselves on our shopping savvy, consumer product companies know better.