51.   The oversupply of costly branches helped fuel a recent wave of big bank mergers, allowing rival banks to cut costs by shutting duplicate offices.

52.   The policy will indicate the extent to which banks can cut lending rates.

53.   Their decision to refuse Kyotaru new loans forced the company to seek protection from a bankruptcy court, and raised concern that banks will cut off other borrowers.

54.   Three presidents of regional Bundesbank branches have hinted recently that the bank may cut rates again soon.

55.   President of the Deutsche Bundesbank Hans Tietmeyer said the bank cut the rate because of the gloomy outlook for European economies.

56.   Analysts predict other private banks will also cut rates.

57.   Brokers said shares prices rose on expectations that Hong Kong banks would cut interest rates.

58.   But analysts predict that the bank will cut rates at least once before then to prop up the faltering regional economy.

59.   But despite scepticism that the bank would cut interest rates, traders said, the dollar surged in the late afternoon on buying by European-based funds.

60.   Dealer said expectations that Singapore banks will cut their best lending rates also spurred buying.