1.   At the time, central bankers were afraid the Asian financial crisis and the collapse of Russia would lead to a severe slowdown in western Europe.

2.   At the same time, the local economy has changed in ways that make some sectors more vulnerable to a severe slowdown or recession.

3.   A severe slowdown in Europe could prompt more doubts about the viability of a single European currency.

4.   After a collapse in car sales in Southeast Asia, Brazil is also facing a severe slowdown.

5.   But could the Fed overshoot and get a more severe slowdown than it wants?

6.   Duisenberg wanted to cut rates then because e was worried about a severe economic slowdown.

7.   Investors had feared that the second-quarter figures might indicate a more severe slowdown, said Tay Mei Yuen, an economist at Crosby Securities.

8.   The first sign is a severe slowdown in sales growth at the acquiring company, or even worse, a decline.

9.   The strikes could go on for months and make it harder for Germany to bounce back from a severe economic slowdown.

10.   The threat of a severe economic slowdown, Wala said, is the greatest obstacle that could scuttle the common currency.