21.   EMU opponents argue that the austere fiscal and monetary policy it requires from members will keep their economies in low gear for years.

22.   During his tenure, Japan has favored a strong dollar and has kept interest rates low to keep the economy recovering from a five-year slump.

23.   Economists credit Fed cuts with keeping the economy from a dramatic plunge this year.

24.   Even if unemployment rises this summer, weakening consumer spending, the interest-rate cuts and tax rebates will keep the economy from recession, the optimists believe.

25.   Fed policy makers meet about every six weeks to consider changing interest rates to keep the economy from growing too slowly or fast enough to quicken inflation.

26.   Even so, modest gains in Christmas retail sales point to subdued consumer spending, which may keep the economy from picking up too much steam.

27.   Even so, some traders reckon the central bank may have to lift rates to keep the economy on that track.

28.   For now, consumer spending is keeping US economy robust, as companies build new homes, make products, and hire employees to feed consumer demand.

29.   For a while, that seemed to be enough to keep the economy on its feet.

30.   Greenspan has been credited as the steady hand who has helped keep the economy on track.