21.   But the February performance was mostly a result of abnormal weather, economists said.

22.   But these disputes could pale compared to the row over GMOs, say some economists.

23.   Companies such as telemarketer Signature Group Inc. show Florida still has some life left in its economy, even as unemployment rose in September, economists said.

24.   Corporate profits may decline, but a tight labor market and falling interest rates should keep consumers flush enough to extend the boom, these economists said.

25.   Corporate profits have remained strong enough this year to suggest that productivity continues to outpace wage gains, economists said.

26.   Deeper spending cuts are difficult in Germany because a large proportion of government spending is written into law and cannot be cut by the Finance Ministry, economists said.

27.   Deeper spending cuts are difficult in Germany because a large portion of government spending is written into law and cannot be cut by the Finance Ministry, economists said.

28.   Doing away with the federal program would expand the overall U.S. agricultural economy, mainly by boosting exports of U.S. tobacco, said the economists.

29.   Economists expected sales to remain weak through the summer as uncertainty about wages and higher taxes force consumers to pocket more of their incomes, economist said.

30.   Elimination of that inventory overhang is nearly complete or complete now, said economist Ken Mayland of KeyCorp in Cleveland.