1.   Analysts said demand for the bond stemmed from the current rally in the German bond market, driven by an outlook for weak economic growth and slow inflation.

2.   Bond investors want slow inflation in order to preserve the value of their fixed-income return.

3.   Bond yields were little changed after a report on retail sales left intact expectations for slow inflation and steady interest rates.

4.   A government report released before the start of stock trading today showed a surprise drop in new home building, reinforcing expectations for slow inflation.

5.   A stronger peso would lower import prices, slow inflation and ease the way to a cut in interest rates, analysts said.

6.   Britain is also certain to experience some economic decline because top investors are already asking the government to raise interest rates to slow inflation.

7.   Chinese stock markets boomed in the fourth quarter amid expectations that corporate profits will recover after the government ended three years of lending limits designed to slow inflation.

8.   Energy prices also helped slow inflation.

9.   Evidence of slow inflation could make the Federal Reserve more likely to reduce overnight bank loan rates.

10.   Illinois stocks advanced for the second straight day, led by telecommunications company Teltrend Inc., as prospects for slow inflation boosted technology and retail shares.