11.   Lower rates spur economic growth, boost company earnings and increase the size of dividends paid to shareholders, making stocks more attractive than fixed-income securities.

12.   Lower rates would spur the U.S. economy by easing corporate and consumer borrowing costs, stimulating corporate earnings in the process.

13.   Lower rates often spur the economy, bolstering corporate profits.

14.   Lower rates spur the economy, reducing borrowing costs for businesses and consumers.

15.   Mortgage bonds have lagged U.S. government bonds for three days as investors fret that low rates will spur more homeowners to refinance, repaying the loans early.

16.   Northeast operates in New England, where high electric rates have spurred politicians to consider opening the power market to competition, Seitz said.

17.   Shares of manufacturing companies often gain when investors think a rate cut is imminent, because lower rates often spur growth and bolster demand for heavy equipment.

18.   Texas Instruments Inc., which makes semiconductors and electronic components, said lower rates could spur sales of personal computers.

19.   The lower rates could spur builders to start new projects in the months ahead, traders said.

20.   The recent rapid decline in interest rates should provide some offset to the drag from Asia, as lower rates spur the housing industry.