21.   Low rates in Japan mean low returns on yen-denominated deposits and fixed-income assets.

22.   Low returns at home and nervousness about the U.S. stock market are narrowing the options for Japanese investors, helping push them toward Latin America, several analysts said.

23.   Major shareholders have bitterly criticized the deal, saying it offers too low a return to Lycos shareholders.

24.   Nearly all European insurers have suffered as equity markets have declined and profits have been hit by low returns on investments.

25.   Morningstar Mutual Funds gives it the lowest overall grade, scoring its returns low and its risk above average.

26.   Pitman would not rule out a European purchase, though he is worried about low return on equity at European banks.

27.   Relatively low returns have driven investors out of Japan and into other currencies.

28.   That undermines the yen because it means low returns on yen-denominated deposits.

29.   That means low returns on yen-denominated assets, making dollar-denominated investments more attractive.

30.   That means low returns on yen-denominated deposits.