11.   Companies can finance their businesses more easily and cheaply when rates are stable or declining than when rates are climbing.

12.   Dell Computer Corp., for example, has a joint venture with Tyco International Ltd. to handle its computer financing business.

13.   Falling rates reduce borrowing costs for companies, making it easier for them to finance their businesses.

14.   Falling yields also make returns on stocks more attractive, while sinking borrowing costs help companies save money when financing their business.

15.   Falling bond prices -- and rising yields -- would make it more expensive for companies to borrow the money needed to finance their businesses.

16.   Falling yields make returns on stocks more attractive, while sliding borrowing costs help companies save money when financing their business.

17.   Falling bond prices -- and rising yields -- make it more expensive for companies to borrow the money needed to finance their businesses.

18.   Falling yields make returns on stocks more attractive, and sliding borrowing costs help companies save money when financing their business.

19.   Higher borrowing costs make it more expensive for companies to borrow the money needed to finance their businesses.

20.   Higher rates cut into corporate profits by making it more costly to finance business, and by reducing demand for goods and services.