91.   Average monthly construction figures are seen as more representative of economic activity because month-to-month construction statistics can be quite volatile.

92.   Because it accounts for two-thirds of economic activity, consumer spending provides a key indicator of whether the economy is going.

93.   Banks also fell on fears that sluggish economic activity could restrict business and cause a rise in loan defaults by customers.

94.   Because the fixed rate is not pegged to anything, Treasury officials set it at a level that reflects the current economic activity and the interest rate climate.

95.   Blake said the rebate checks will most likely stoke consumer spending, which accounts for two-thirds of economic activity.

96.   Bond and stock prices sank -- such exuberant economic activity could be inflationary.

97.   Bosnia, on the other hand, was completely destroyed in the war and nearly all economic activity comes from international reconstruction projects.

98.   A camp of economists is forecasting a rebound in economic activity in the third quarter that will prompt the Fed to raise rates to keep inflation from accelerating.

99.   A drop in interest rates can spur economic activity and boost company earnings along with the size of dividends paid shareholders.

100.   A bear market in stocks usually is brought on by the anticipation of declining economic activity, and a bear market in bonds is caused by rising interest rates.