11.   Record diamond sales at De Beers helped offset weakness in the South African economy, analysts said.

12.   Some economists said the decline was a surprise and that growth in some industries may not be enough to offset weakness in others.

13.   SPANISH bonds closed little changed as outlooks for slow growth in Europe and falling interest rates in Spain offset weakness in the U.S. Treasury market.

14.   Stocks were mixed as rosy outlooks for technology and paper company earnings offset weakness in telephone and oil stocks.

15.   The company attributed its sterling quarter to strong domestic sales that offset some weakness in international markets.

16.   The second-quarter weakness was partly offset by a lower effective federal income-tax rate associated with foreign sales and research and development.

17.   The strong stock market and solid wage gains have bolstered consumer confidence and spending, more than offsetting the weakness in manufacturing.

18.   While inventories have almost tripled since late June amid rising production, the increase is leveling off as strong demand in Europe and the U.S. offsets weakness in Asia.

19.   But they may need to work overtime to offset weaknesses on defense.

20.   If they needed to win a plurality of votes nationwide, the strength in their home regions could offset their weaknesses in other areas.