41.   Also hurting bonds were signs of continued strength in the jobs market.

42.   Also supporting bonds were comments yesterday from Finance Minister Wataru Kubo that the government is reluctant to spend more to boost the economy.

43.   Although issued in Europe, the bonds are for sale mainly to Japanese individuals and institutions.

44.   Although traders said the bonds were well-priced, they were having some trouble reselling the bonds to investors.

45.   Among his purchases were bonds of Qwest Communications International Inc., a Denver-based telecommunications company.

46.   Among junk bonds, yield spreads have changed little in the three weeks since Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan warned that high-yield bonds might be overvalued.

47.   And because the United States no longer has a budget deficit, there are fewer bonds on the market, so demand will be high.

48.   Analysts said German bonds are a better buy than their U.S. counterparts for now.

49.   Analysts predict investors will show interest in the new bond, as it will be available for face value while other government bonds are over par.

50.   Analysts said the bonds are poised to rise further.