41.   A survey of purchasing managers, issued Thursday, reinforced reports of strong consumer confidence and rising home sales earlier in the week.

42.   After a record-breaking year of home sales, the market shows few signs of slowing down.

43.   Adding that to other rising recent statistics on home sales and factory orders, investors thought the inflation-wary Fed might curb growth with higher interest rates.

44.   Additionally, provisions in the tax bill President Bill Clinton signed this month create incentives that could stimulate home sales, analysts said.

45.   Adrian Sanchez, regional economist for First Interstate Bancorp in Los Angeles, said fears of another recession are holding back home sales.

46.   After a record-breaking year of home sales, the real estate market shows few signs of slowing down.

47.   All regions of the country reported declines in new home sales last month, Commerce Department figures showed today.

48.   Almost every current economic statistic -- construction spending, new home sales, factory orders, consumer confidence, consumer credit -- is coming in higher than expected.

49.   Brian Carey, regional economist at the Mortgage Bankers Association of America in Washington, predicted home sales will slow down as rates go up.

50.   Brokers and builders and their lawyers expressed concern that the decision could damage home sales and housing investment.