1.   Indeed, that kind of thinking has led global economists to predict that any rate increases by the European Central Bank may be months away.

2.   Moreover, those gains have taken place despite worsening troubles in Indonesia, leading some economists to talk of a decoupling of regional markets.

3.   Reports at the time showing strong economic growth led many economists and traders to worry the Fed would raise interest rates this year.

4.   The budget impasse led many economists and investors to believe the Fed would hold off lowering interest rates until the situation was resolved.

5.   Leading economist Maurice Fitzpatrick, of accountancy firm Chantrey Vellacott, said businesses stood to lose out this month because of workers leaving their posts to watch soccer.

6.   Meanwhile, inventories of crude oil and petroleum products such as gasoline and heating oil have declined sharply, leading some economists to worry about supplies.

7.   Retail sales at Christmas were lower than expected, leading many economists to conclude that consumers were overburdened with debt.