51.   Financial circles say lower interest rates are vital because of a widespread slowdown of European economies, including the French economy.

52.   Financial circles believe that lower interest rates are a must to deal with the French economic slump and high unemployment.

53.   Financial circles continue to urge a loosening of monetary policy, worrying about the deterioration of the French economy.

54.   Financial circles expressed fear that such data might lead the Bundesbank to maintain steady interest rates, instead of lowering a key rate in the near future.

55.   Financial circles fear the change may be a harbinger of new inflation.

56.   Financial circles have become less hostile to the prospect of a Labour administration.

57.   Financial circles remain optimistic because of the prospect of lower French interest rates, but express caution because the government has not yet won the social security battle.

58.   French financial circles remain very cautious on the outlook on the markets, especially because of the high level of long-term interest rates.

59.   French financial circles are optimistic about the Bourse outlook the next few months because of numerous industrial restructuring operations in France.

60.   French financial circles said that consumer spending remained weak.