41.   Reading the economic data differently, some industry groups said the new figures support their claim that the economy can grow faster without sparking inflation.

42.   Rising productivity means businesses are doing more work with the same amount of labor and materials, and it suggests that wages can also rise without sparking inflation.

43.   She said those fears included concern that economic turbulence in Asia would impede U.S. profit growth, and that U.S. economic growth would spark inflation.

44.   Since labor costs make up two-thirds of consumer prices, bond investors like Quirsfeld of American Express fear rising wages could spark more inflation.

45.   Some analysts have speculated that rising wages would spark accelerated inflation.

46.   Strong employment expansion tends to lead to higher consumer spending, which can spark faster inflation.

47.   Such signs of a slowing economy, with just enough growth to sustain corporate profits though not enough to spark inflation, is what traders are seeking.

48.   Strong job growth tends to lead to higher consumer spending, which in turn can spark faster inflation.

49.   That briefly sent bonds and stock futures sliding as investors worried that the growing economy might spark inflation.

50.   That means businesses have room to raise wages even more without sparking inflation, he said.