1. Separately, shares in forestry companies Declined amid forecasts of a steep fall in cellulose prices, analysts said. 2. AUSTRALIAN stocks were mixed as building products makers and retailers declined amid concern the central bank will soon raise interest rates, crimping earnings growth. 3. Bank stocks declined amid concern more Korean companies may fail as the economy slows. 4. Bank shares declined amid higher bond yields. 5. Banking stocks also declined amid concern their regional operations could be hurt by the prolonged decline in Southeast Asian currencies. 6. Bank shares declined amid concern the next move in British interest rates will be higher. 7. Banking stocks also declined amid concern their regional operations could be hurt by the business slowdown in Southeast Asia. 8. Bond yields had previously declined amid optimism U.K. interest rates would fall in line with those in Germany if the U.K. joined European monetary union. 9. Bonds also declined amid speculation that hedge funds were selling U.S. debt. 10. Bonds declined amid the specter of a falling currency discouraging investment. |