31.   Haitai officials denied the speculation.

32.   He also continues to deny speculation that he is seeking to sell the facility, although he said he would listen to offers.

33.   He also denied market speculation that the bank lost money through derivatives trading.

34.   He also denied speculation that the securities regulator yesterday raided stock brokerages in an effort to determine which investors had been short-selling Malaysian stocks.

35.   He denied speculation, though, that he has considered a political career.

36.   He also denied speculation in the art world that he is .

37.   He also denied speculation in the Brazilian press that Garantia sought a loan form Banco Itau SA and put control of brewer Cia. Cervejaria Brahma up as collateral.

38.   He denied widespread speculation that the auction process failed because the minimum price was too high.

39.   He denied speculation that the bank might acquire a stake in a major Brazilian commercial bank, like the struggling Banco Bamerindus SA.

40.   Heston denied speculation that his new NRA post is a stepping stone toward public office.