1.   Analysts are reassessing their forecasts for subdued inflation throughout the year because a looming rise in oil prices threatens a further increase in the consumer price index.

2.   Bank and utility profits tend to rise in a climate of relatively low interest rates and subdued inflation.

3.   Banks perform best amid low rates and subdued inflation when demand for loans increases, raising profit.

4.   Banks, insurance companies and property trusts will perform the best in the months ahead, Merrill said, because of subdued inflation and steady interest rates.

5.   Banks, insurance companies and utilities provide steady dividends and potential capital gains in a climate of low interest rates and subdued inflation, analysts said.

6.   Banks, utilities and pipelines provide rich dividend yields and potential capital gains in a climate of low interest rates and subdued inflation.

7.   Bank and utility stocks provide steady, rich dividends and potential capital gains in a climate of relatively low interest rates and subdued inflation, analysts said.

8.   Bank and utility profits usually rise in a climate of relatively low interest rates and subdued inflation.

9.   Bank stocks provide high dividend yields and potential capital gains in a climate of relatively low interest rates and subdued inflation, analysts said.

10.   Besides, weaker Asian currencies are making exports from those countries cheaper and curb French import prices, backing the outlook for subdued inflation.