31.   Climbing interest rates have held back demand, the automakers say, although they still predict sales will increase this year and next.

32.   Condominium sales have increased for five of the first six months of the year on an annual basis.

33.   Day said he expects sales to increase in months ahead as low unemployment, strong consumer confidence, and continued stock market gains push more buyers into the market.

34.   Department store chains Sears, Dayton Hudson Corp. and May Department Stores Inc. all said sales increased at stores open at least a year.

35.   Department store sales also increased in June.

36.   Ed Albers, president of the association, noted that statewide home sales have increased during four of the last five months.

37.   Economists follow trends in capital spending because companies normally invest more when they expect sales to increase.

38.   Factory output and retail sales increased last month, in a sign that the economy will avoid a recession.

39.   Factory output and retail sales increased last month, while inflation remained at bay and consumer confidence improved.

40.   Federal investigators, judging by the number of background checks requested by licensed dealers, said gun sales have increased across the country.