11.   Declines in stocks could prompt the Bank of Japan to reiterate its pledge to keep interest rates low to help banks and real estate companies write off bad loans.

12.   Disaster recovery specialists generally help banks and other businesses cope with man-made mishaps like an ammonia spill or a fire.

13.   Even the Finance Ministry was skeptical, saying Hashimoto probably was referring to borrowing funds from the Bank of Japan to help the banks.

14.   Falling yields helped banks, which make more loans as rates decline.

15.   Falling yields helped banks, whose profits tend to grow as their cost of capital falls in price.

16.   For now, falling yields helped banks, which make more loans as rates decline.

17.   Gains at other banks, though, dissipated as some investors expressed doubts the arrangement will help other banks.

18.   He declined to say what measures the government was considering to help the bank.

19.   He was also the general counsel of an investigative company that helps banks, brokerage firms and insurance companies win lawsuits and arbitrations.

20.   However, a spokesman for First Interstate said heavy institutional ownership could help his bank because there are fewer key investors that need to be wooed.