11.   A surge in prices would prevent the Fed from cutting rates again to prolong the four-year economic expansion.

12.   Against a backdrop of moderate growth and tame inflation, most analysts expect Fed officials to await further signs of weakness before cutting rates again.

13.   Almost half the respondents urged the Fed to stimulate the economy by cutting rates.

14.   Bundesbank Chief Economist Otmar Issing said the German central bank, which left its full slate of interest rates unchanged today, still leans toward cutting rates.

15.   But economists long have argued that well-advertised deterrents might only shift crime to more vulnerable targets, like the unprotected house next door, without cutting overall crime rates.

16.   But he did credit competition in long-distance markets for cutting rates for consumers.

17.   But Sohn cautioned that, although the Fed cannot afford for stock prices to slide further, it is not catering to market interests by cutting rates.

18.   But some Fed watchers criticized Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan for not resisting public expectations and allowing other economic stimulation efforts to be implemented before cutting rates again.

19.   But, in fact, many districts simply took the extra state money without cutting rates.

20.   By cutting rates, the Fed managed to offer support to both sides of this intense debate.