11.   The trick is reducing the odds.

12.   To reduce the odds of getting ripped off, ask business associates for references and check with the Better Business Bureau.

13.   Traders sold dollars after the National Association of Purchasing Management said its manufacturing index fell in April, reducing the odds of the Fed raising interest rates again soon.

14.   Trading for a point guard is an option, but the salary cap greatly reduces the odds of an equitable swap.

15.   Treasury prices closed mixed Wednesday as the bond market reacted to several economic reports that reduced the odds that the Federal Reserve would cut interest rates soon.

16.   But economists said the report reduced the odds that the central bank would have to act aggressively by boosting rates a half of a percentage point.

17.   The slowdown in housing starts offered some hope that the rate increases are working, reducing the odds of steep increases later this year.