1. A report showing falling business confidence lifted hopes that slowing economic growth will prompt the Bundesbank to cut rates soon. 2. AUSTRALIAN stocks fell after a report showing wages grew at a surprisingly fast pace in the February quarter quashed expectations the central bank may soon cut interest rates. 3. A government report showing prices barely budged in November deepened expectation that the Fed, like the Bundesbank, will stand pat on lending rates. 4. A report showing a slump in machinery orders and a rise in U.S. Treasury bonds have since served to wipe out the losses. 5. A report showing declining business confidence in Germany and news that the U.S. trade deficit unexpectedly widened in May also buffeted the dollar today. 6. A U.K. government report showing decelerating producer price inflation had little impact on gilts. 7. Interest-rate sensitive issues, such as banks and utilities, will probably be bolstered by a U.S. economic report showing slowing growth. 8. Lumber prices plunged as a report showing fewer housing starts in May pointed to weaker demand for building materials. 9. On Tuesday, it issued a report showing capital expenditures by business fell sharply. |