21.   The latest figures generally were anticipated by analysts who have said almost all recent data point to a dramatic slowdown in the economy from its booming pace last year.

22.   This time, however, the weakness is originating in the United States as it battles a dramatic slowdown caused by plunging stock prices and cutbacks in consumer demand.

23.   Fears of a dramatic slowdown in growth sent jitters through some prime materials giants.

24.   US Coast Guard figures seem to indicate a dramatic slowdown.

25.   The figure was the latest in a series of recent indicators pointing to a dramatic slowdown in the economy from its booming pace last year.