1.   But that rally sputtered after just seven trading days, and the euro has gone downhill since.

2.   On the first pitch by San Diego rookie Matt Clement, Mondesi flied out to left, and the rally sputtered.

3.   Some traders said they expect the stock rally to sputter for a few weeks.

4.   But the dollar rally sputtered in U.S. trading, where dealers were divided on whether the quake ultimately will hurt or help the Japanese economy and the yen.

5.   In currency dealings, the dollar dropped after an early short-covering rally sputtered out amid heavy selling by Japanese exporters.