1.   Analysts and business groups have warned a prolonged crisis could dampen economic growth.

2.   A higher dollar can dampen profit growth at importers such as steel, textile and chemical manufacturers by raising the yen cost of imported raw materials sold in dollars.

3.   A somewhat slower tourist season this year has also dampened growth.

4.   But analysts and economists worry that further rate increases may only dampen growth.

5.   But economic development policymakers fear that a continued shortfall in workers could dampen the growth of some technology industries in metro Atlanta and elsewhere in the state.

6.   Chancellor Helmut Kohl told a press conference in Bonn that the cold months would only dampen growth temporarily, and that the conditions for continued expansion were in place.

7.   Chemical earnings are being softened by recent interest rate increases that dampened economic growth.

8.   Citing signs that recessions in emerging-market economies were beginning to dampen European growth, economists said the decisions left the bank room to maneuver if conditions worsened.

9.   Colombian stocks fell for a fourth day on worries a series of new taxes will curb consumer spending and dampen economic growth.

10.   Concern that proposed tax increases in Argentina will dampen economic growth there also is weighing on Chilean stocks, Tagle said.