1.   American manufacturing activity fell more than expected in May, the first contraction in almost two years and the latest sign the economy is slowing.

2.   Americans applying for first-time unemployment benefits unexpectedly fell last week, a sign the economy may not be slowing enough to keep inflation under wraps.

3.   A foothold in foreign markets will help tide earnings over until the economy shows signs of reviving, investors said.

4.   Fewer American workers applied for state unemployment benefits last week than analysts expected, Labor Department figures showed today, one more sign the economy is holding steady.

5.   Gains early in the week were wiped out on Friday after the government said unemployment was larger than expected in May, a sign the economy remains weak.

6.   German government bonds were little changed amid expectations the Bundesbank will leave interest rates steady as the economy shows signs of recovery.

7.   French consumer spending on manufactured goods rebounded in January, the latest sign the economy is picking up, economists said.

8.   High inventories reflect weak demand, a sign the economy is still anemic.

9.   Investors and analysts say concern about a rate rise could easily intensify should the inflation rate creep up or the U.S. economy show signs of more robust growth.

10.   Investors and analysts say concern about a rate rise could easily intensify should the inflation rate creep up or the U.S. economy show signs of robust growth.