1.   Although the change was fairly small, it surprised many economists who had been expecting either no change or a continuation of recent improvement.

2.   Although the change was small, it surprised economists who had been expecting either no change or a continuation of recent declines.

3.   Although the rate cut was expected, both the timing and the size of the cut surprised many economists.

4.   Economists were surprised by the sharp increase in the number of hours worked, which is difficult to gauge because of such factors as self-employment.

5.   Receding consumer prices surprised economists because it happened before Christmas when consumer demand is strong, especially for food purchases.

6.   Some economists were surprised by the deficit.

7.   That rise surprised many economists.

8.   The decision did not surprise most economists, who had predicted that the bank would not open the monetary spigot just yet.

9.   The finding surprises economist Andrew Hughes Hallett of Strathclyde University in Glasgow.

10.   The fresh demand surprised economists, who had expected orders to fall.