21.   Banks have been buying each other at a rapid pace to try to cut costs and increase profitability.

22.   Banks have been buying individual businesses, such as corporate trusts, in an effort to generate the kind of volume that justifies the costs of technology and resources.

23.   Before that, the bank had bought only half that amount in single purchases since December of last year.

24.   A Bank of Canada spokeswoman, Laurette Bergeron, declined to comment on whether the bank bought Canadian dollars.

25.   A bill that would allow banks to buy financial institutions in other states is expected to speed the shakeout in the industry.

26.   A Yamaichi Investment Trust spokesman confirmed the company is discussing the matter with Sanwa and hopes the bank will buy the shares.

27.   After several consecutive quarters of strong earnings, U.S. banks are buying back stock and returning more cash to shareholders to get rid of excess capital.

28.   But many banks bought the Eurobonds on credit.

29.   Congress is considering changes to the law that could make it easier for banks to buy securities firms.

30.   Eight months ago, the bank was buying dollars to keep the peso from rising too high against the U.S. currency.