1.   Economists blamed the shortages on prices which gave little incentive to production.

2.   Economists blame the weak jobs figure on rising inventories, which cause manufacturers to slow down production and, thereby, use fewer workers.

3.   Economists blamed the lull on sluggish worldwide trade, currency volatility and higher labor costs.

4.   Economists have blamed rising drug prices on increased demand by aging baby boomers and the introduction of more expensive drugs.

5.   Economists blame the rising unemployment rate on an expanding labor force at time when job growth is unchanged.

6.   Economists blamed a combination of slower worldwide trade, a strong currency and higher labor costs for the slump.

7.   Economists blamed divergent growth and inflation rates for the exchange-rate tension.

8.   Economists blamed government mismanagement for worsening the crisis.

9.   Economists blamed the decline on sluggish worldwide trade, currency volatility and higher labor costs.

10.   Economists blame snow and floods, along with rising interest rates, for the national decline.