21.   Rather, the most substantial decline in demand came from businesses.

22.   Still, the reported decline comes on top of weakness in home sales linked to rising mortgage rates and high levels of consumer debt.

23.   That decline has come in part because swelling assets have touched off break-point clauses in fund management agreements that call for lower fees.

24.   The biggest decline came in the South.

25.   The biggest decline in short interest came in Autotote Corp., which makes computerized gambling equipment.

26.   The decline came after a government auction of two-year notes met with unexpectedly strong demand.

27.   The decline came after Asian markets tumbled, and European stocks slumped amid concern other European countries could eventually follow the U.K. and raise their benchmark lending rates.

28.   The decline came after International Business Machines Corp. said its profit margins are shrinking and that a rising U.S. dollar will curb its overseas earnings in coming quarters.

29.   The decline came as the company posted strong third-quarter results and raised its dividend.

30.   The decline came even as air travel rose and BA filled more of its seats.