91.   It said the relatively modest growth expected for this year is explained by a decline in economic vigor during the last few weeks.

92.   A finance ministry official said the pace of the decline in the current account surplus was slowing slightly, with exports showing signs of modest growth.

93.   Also forecasting a modest growth are Yasuda Trust and Banking Co. Ltd. and Toyo Trust and Banking Co. Ltd..

94.   Analysts had expected rates to be left unchanged, citing modest growth in the economy unimpaired by wage and price pressures.

95.   Analysts had predicted that in light of modest growth and few signs of inflation the Fed would make no move to raise interest rates.

96.   Analysts had expected no change in the rates, citing modest growth in the economy unimpaired by wage and price pressures.

97.   Banks had boosted CD issues on the back of low interest rates, which supported the modest growth in the data in December, the official said.

98.   But non-dwelling construction and engineering construction was expected to continue its modest growth, Berg said.

99.   But modest growth in the GDP deflator held off inflation fears.

100.   Clinton also benefited from the relative good shape of the US economy, which has seen modest growth with low inflation and unemployment.