21.   He also said investors might have feared the effect of a slowdown in the semiconductor capital-equipment market next year.

22.   However, some investors fear that heightened tensions over the weekend while markets are closed could further damage their investments.

23.   If passed, investors feared that the government would be forced to abandon its fiscal austerity program.

24.   In the third quarter, the stocks of these companies and their competitors were battered as investors feared that a rise in defaults would erode earnings.

25.   In the third quarter, the stocks of these companies and competitors were battered as investors feared that a rise in defaults would erode earnings.

26.   Investors apparently fear that legal action against the company could cut into profits.

27.   Investors apparently fear that the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon will keep consumers at home, tipping the already teetering economy into a full-blown recession.

28.   Investors fear that Argentina might wind up in default if the government does not cut spending.

29.   Investors fear that Electricidad de Caracas may also be hit by a freeze.

30.   Investors fear that if wages climb, prices will climb.