1.   But both overall figures masked changes in key sectors of the economy that give contradictory indications of whether the current economic expansion will lead to inflation.

2.   But both overall figures masked changes in key sectors that give contradictory indications of whether the current economic expansion will lead to a sharp rise in inflation.

3.   But critics of the investment-oriented approach said the overall figures mask long periods in which returns have been weak or even negative.

4.   But some analysts had said that the figure masked a bleaker performance, because it included several one-time gains that should not have been part of ongoing operations.

5.   But such figures can mask higher unemployment in the inner cities.

6.   But the final figures masked some notable rises in stocks, like Coca-Cola and Eli Lilly, as well as trading heavily influenced by high-speed computer-aided transactions.

7.   But such figures mask wide differences in the availability of particular models, as well as big gaps among dealerships.

8.   But the sales figures mask a significant deterioration in profitability as auto makers use of incentives surges.

9.   But that net figure masks a huge number of jobs created and destroyed.

10.   But these dizzy figures mask a more complex story.