1.   And there are signs that cash-strapped US consumers may be reducing big-ticket purchases as the economy slows.

2.   Any reduction in demand would come at a time when overseas buyers already have reduced purchases of U.S. grain.

3.   Apartment REITs reduced purchases in the past year as prices rose.

4.   Apartment REITs reduced purchases in the past year, when there were few properties available at low prices.

5.   At the same time, retailers are reducing beef purchases before the holiday season, when turkey and ham are in demand.

6.   But most purchases cannot be reduced to digital code.

7.   But the effect on the U.S. economy may prove considerable since Thailand and its neighbors are greatly reducing their purchase of foreign-made goods.

8.   Cattle futures posted the biggest one-day drop in seven weeks as meatpackers reduced purchases.

9.   Cattle sales at feedlots have lagged this week as packers reduced their purchases after prices for retail beef slipped.

10.   Cost savings would be achieved through postponing construction of new power plants, consolidation of personnel and reduced gas purchases.