41.   Consumer spending, which held steady during the downturn, had not been expected to expand at the same rapid pace as past recoveries.

42.   Copper futures held steady as demand from commercial and industrial users offset expanding production throughout the world, especially in Chile.

43.   Corn and soybean futures are expected to hold steady as traders await government supply and demand forecasts, which will be released before markets open tomorrow.

44.   Complaints have increased only slightly over the last six years, these officials say, and reported rat bites have held steady.

45.   Crude oil held steady, paring early gains after the United Nations cleared the way for the resumption of Iraqi oil exports that will further boost world supplies.

46.   Copper is expected to hold steady in coming days amid signs that healthy consumption in the U.S. and Europe is reducing ample warehouse supplies of copper.

47.   Corn and soybeans, after rising in early trade, held steady as concern eased that hot weather in coming days would harm developing crops.

48.   Crude oil held steady as traders awaited a United Nations vote that could impose new sanctions on Iraq because of interference with weapons inspections.

49.   Crude oil held steady as traders awaited developments from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries meeting that begins Wednesday in Jakarta.

50.   Despite the sales slowdown, they note, average selling prices held relatively steady.