11.   Business activity was so strong that economists were increasing their growth forecasts for the second quarter.

12.   But it will meet a lot of competition, and rosy growth forecasts are likely to prove evanescent.

13.   But Sprint, like all the big U.S. telephone companies, may be forced to cut growth forecasts, analysts said.

14.   But some economists are scaling back their growth forecasts.

15.   Companies like Sumitomo Metal Industries and Toray Industries Inc. are also boosting exports to the U.S. and Europe to offset the slower growth forecast in Asia.

16.   Companies such as Sumitomo Metal Industries and Toray Industries Inc. are also boosting exports to the U.S. and Europe to offset the slower growth forecast in Asia.

17.   Despite positive economic growth forecasts, a dearth of Internet-related stocks in those markets has left them far behind those in North Asia.

18.   Economists are slashing their growth forecasts.

19.   Economists also warn that the outlet for exports is in jeopardy because of slower growth forecasts in Southeast Asia and rising trade tensions with the U.S.

20.   Economists in Canada have, however, recently begun lowering their growth forecasts.