21.   Smoltz won his third straight decision following a slump in which he lost three in a row.

22.   Singapore shares also tumbled as investors took profits following the slump on Wall Street.

23.   South Korean share prices closed sharply lower on worries over the technology sector following the slump on the U.S. Nasdaq market on Friday.

24.   The government has been forced to withdraw from auction a hotel site scheduled to go under the hammer next month following the slump in tourist arrivals.

25.   The Nikkei index moved lower on selling of technology and export-oriented stocks following a slump on Wall Street.

26.   Most Asian stock markets eased Wednesday as investors locked away profits following a slump on Wall Street, brokers said.

27.   The gold council, in a report on Thursday, backed forecasts by market analysts that demand for gold would probably rise following a slump last year.