31.   Japanese buying of U.S. stocks and bonds helped bolster the dollar throughout the year.

32.   Japanese government bonds fell for the second day amid concern the Group of Seven industrial nations will take steps to bolster the dollar when they meet this weekend.

33.   Lower Japanese and German interest rates could bolster the dollar by making deposits in dollars more attractive.

34.   Lower rates in Germany generally bolster the dollar by making the returns on U.S. deposits relatively more attractive.

35.   Logically, Eichner said, the German election outcome should have weakened the mark and bolstered the dollar.

36.   Lower German rates often help bolster the dollar by making mark-denominated deposits less attractive.

37.   Lower rates in Germany, and elsewhere in Europe, should bolster the dollar by making deposits in the U.S. relatively more attractive.

38.   Lower rates in Germany often bolster the dollar by making the returns on U.S. deposits relatively attractive.

39.   Meanwhile, reports that prices declined in two German states bolstered the dollar against the deutsche mark, by rekindling speculation the Bundesbank will cut interest rates soon.

40.   Meanwhile, the dollar has been bolstered by the Asia crisis, keeping price for imports low and limiting the ability of U.S-based companies to compete.