1.   But the WorldCom debacle could put a further damper on consumer confidence, which has fallen in recent weeks partly due to a string of corporate scandals.

2.   The much-anticipated merger has been delayed for nearly a week due to efforts by San Francisco-based Blue Shield of California to purchase WellPoint.

3.   The yields of both short-term and long-term government securities have been falling in recent weeks due to decelerating inflation and expectations for an increase in money supply.

4.   Others said they decided to flee what they called a deteriorating situation in the city, with people afraid to leave their homes for weeks due to Serb threats.

5.   Others said they decided to flee what they called a deteriorating situation, with people afraid to leave their homes for weeks due to Serb threats.

6.   Platinum prices fell to the lowest level in more than a month Thursday amid profit-taking as investors prepared for a shortened week due to the Easter holiday.

7.   Pete Sampras pulled of the event last week due to injury.

8.   Activities were generally centered on the short-term interbank rates which were higher throughout the week due to demand for fresh funds by some finance companies.

9.   Bolivia has avoided the financial woes that have affected other Latin American nations in recent weeks due to the collapse of the Mexican peso.

10.   But now he does only one a week due to the severe shortages of drugs and other supplies.