21.   IBM introduced an Internet service to help banks and dealers approve car loans more quickly and said it would move into the relaying of car insurance next.

22.   In addition, the central bank pledged to help banks having trouble meeting their obligations through refinancing and other arrangements.

23.   It was designed to help smaller banks, thrifts and credit unions compete against big banks with huge ATM networks.

24.   Japanese stocks rose after Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto agreed to ask his ruling Liberal Democratic Party to consider using public funds to help banks dispose of bad loans.

25.   Japanese newspapers have been reporting Nomura will offer infusions of cash and management expertise to help the bank through its expected merger with cross-town rival Sumitomo Bank.

26.   Japanese newspapers have been reporting Nomura will offer infusions of cash and management expertise to help the bank through its expected merger with Sumitomo.

27.   Lower bond yields help French banks because their borrowing costs fall and demand for loans rises.

28.   Low interest rates also helped banks, which perform best against a background of low rates and stable prices.

29.   Miyazawa asked Hashimoto to urge the ruling party to consider the use of public funds to help banks.

30.   Monetary authorities still face difficulty obtaining consensus among taxpayers and legislators about use of public funds to help banks.