51.   When they change those dollars into yen to bring their profits home, their dollars buy fewer yen.

52.   While they are particularly large investors in Japanese financial markets, their decisions affect everything from interest rates in the United States to how many yen a dollar buys.

53.   Yet some say its climb may be checked by speculation that the Bank of Japan will buy yen to halt its slide.

54.   A variety of factors have encouraged investors to buy yen, including expectations of economic recovery in Japan and concerns about inflation in the United States.

55.   But later in the morning, market players bought the yen to cover their short, or oversold positions, traders said.

56.   But Morikuni also said there was little reason to buy the yen.

57.   Citing unidentified sources, Kyodo News reported that the central bank was selling dollars and buying yen.

58.   Dealers bought yen because they continued to be heartened by the prospect of Japan repairing its ailing economy.

59.   Dealers and short-term speculators bought yen against the dollar early in the session in anticipation that data being released in the afternoon would show a strong economic performance.