21.   Economists believe the second quarter this year is much weaker, although many expect a rebound later in the year.

22.   Few people expect a rebound this time.

23.   Many expect a rebound later this year, helped by lower long-term interest rates that could reignite home-buying and raise consumer confidence.

24.   He said the demand base was too weak to expect a rebound in the near future.

25.   Mitsubishi Bank Ltd. and Bank of Tokyo Ltd., which will merge in April next year, suffered declines in earnings but both expect rebounds this year.