51.   But the falling yen all but dashed such hope, the bank said.

52.   China has complained that the falling yen was putting pressure on its own currency.

53.   Concern that the falling yen could throw other Asian countries into further economic turmoil has also led Asian officials to urge Japan to stabilize its economy.

54.   Economists said the falling yen could have wide-ranging repercussions for the mainland economy.

55.   Kim said the falling yen will be one of the key topics in his talks with Japanese Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi in Seoul in March.

56.   Many economists have predicted yen weakness would lead to an increase in exports from Japan because a falling yen makes Japanese goods cheaper in dollar terms.

57.   On the Tokyo stock exchange, stocks sank for the fourth straight day in line with the falling yen.

58.   Rates rose as the falling yen threatened to drag down the Hong Kong dollar.

59.   The falling yen dampened market sentiment on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

60.   The falling yen has been a sore spot with Japanese trade partners in Asia and North America, because it makes Japanese goods relatively inexpensive and competitive overseas.