21.   And the Fed should be careful not to give the impression that it will underwrite share prices by cutting interest rates.

22.   And the producers have also been putting pressure on prices by selling future production now in the hope of locking in better prices.

23.   And there is a temptation to try to bolster the share price by rushing a product to market too soon.

24.   As is the case with crude oil, producers postpone the pain of low prices by hedging in futures markets.

25.   At the same time, companies are taking advantage of near-record stock prices by selling stakes in initial public offerings.

26.   At the same time, companies can effectively sell their stock at a higher price by issuing convertibles, which may include bonds and preferred stock.

27.   At the same time, economists say, driving U.S. gas prices down by lowering taxes on gasoline will accomplish little for drivers or the economy.

28.   Besides, they are unlikely to raise prices by more than about a nickel a gallon once the system has time to settle down.

29.   Boost prices by another half-buck and tobacco companies are bound to lose business.

30.   -- Compare prices by visiting several shops.