21.   The U.K. rose amid persistent takeover speculation and better-than-expected earnings.

22.   The yen has fallen against the dollar since last week amid persistent speculation the Federal Reserve and Bank of Japan will team up to buy the U.S. currency.

23.   U.K. stocks soared as persistent takeover speculation hoisted shares in National Westminster Bank Plc and other financial shares.

24.   U.K. stocks rose, hoisted by gains in Inchcape Plc and B.A.T. Industries Plc, and underpinned by stronger bonds and persistent takeover speculation.

25.   Warburg has been the subject of persistent takeover speculation since the collapse of the Morgan Stanley deal.

26.   Wheat futures rose amid persistent speculation that tight world stocks of wheat would continue to induce export interest in U.S. subsidized wheat.

27.   Whether they will quell persistent speculation that Dial is going to be gobbled up by a larger company or sold in pieces is another question.

28.   Also Friday, Suharto made light of persistent speculation about his health, telling a group of concerned children that he is well.

29.   Brokerage stocks also fell on persistent speculation that some of the firms have too many high-risk investments.

30.   IOC leaders also dispelled persistent speculation that the Olympics could be taken away from Athens, insisting there is no backup plan for moving the games elsewhere.