11.   Andy Ashby did his best to ease possible concerns about a Los Angeles Dodgers pitching staff that begins the season with its ace on the disabled list.

12.   Argentine stocks rose for the first time this week as declining U.S. bond yields eased concerns that investors may pull money out of emerging equity markets.

13.   Applegate said new economic statistics, particularly figures on labor costs out Tuesday, eased concern that inflation and interest rates are headed higher.

14.   As it hovered just above that threshold, the index eased concern that the Federal Reserve would boost bank rates this month to cool the economy, investors said.

15.   At the least, the money supply report eased concern that the central bank will raise interest rates soon to restrain inflation, traders said.

16.   At the same time, wage increases were limited, easing concern that inflation could lead to higher interest rates.

17.   Attorney General John Ashcroft tried to ease concerns Thursday that the government was about to drop its lawsuit against tobacco companies for allegedly hiding the harmful effects of smoking.

18.   AUSTRALIAN bonds pared their losses after a government report showing an unexpected drop in March employment eased concern that a rebound in economic growth will accelerate inflation.

19.   Banco Frances also rose after Brazil took steps that eased concern the government could be forced to devalue its currency, the real.

20.   Bell Atlantic and Nynex, as a condition for FCC approval, promised to meet conditions aimed at easing concerns the combination could thwart local phone competition.