51.   A separate release indicating manufacturing activity in the southeastern U.S. remained sluggish in December also helped limit declines, investors and analysts said.

52.   A separate report by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia showed manufacturing activity accelerating in the region and the prices of raw materials and finished goods surging.

53.   A separate report released today suggested manufacturing activity rebounded in April following the end of a strike against General Motors Corp.

54.   A trade group reported that U.S. manufacturing activity slowed in September, indicating that inflation remains dormant.

55.   A U.S. bond slide from earlier highs, following a stronger-than-expected report on manufacturing activity, had little impact on gilts.

56.   A U.S. report showing weaker-than-expected manufacturing activity also hurt share prices.

57.   Additionally, a regional report suggested manufacturing activity cooled in the Chicago region in September.

58.   Also today, a monthly index of regional manufacturing activity rose to the highest level in five months in October.

59.   Boosting the outlook for stable interest rates was a report that U.S. manufacturing activity slowed in September.

60.   Boosting the outlook for stable interest rates, a trade group reported that U.S. manufacturing activity slowed in September.