51.   The lack of comment raised speculation that an election was at least a consideration.

52.   The meeting, coming five days after Bucaram took office, has raised speculation that Cavallo will advise the new government on economic policy.

53.   The news raised speculation that the industrywide slowdown, which analysts expected to end this fall, may depress profits through the second half.

54.   The prospect of a Burger King spinoff raised speculation Thursday that a spinoff or sale of Pillsbury could follow.

55.   The report raised speculation that recent high prices are curbing demand.

56.   The sale raised speculation that other central banks could cut their holdings as gold loses its allure as a safe haven from economic and political turmoil.

57.   The smaller export inspection figure last week raised speculation that recent high prices are curbing demand.

58.   The strong data raised speculation again that the Federal Reserve will increase short-term interest rates to keep inflation from accelerating.

59.   The sale raised speculation that some firms managing taxable bond sales hedged against possible losses by first selling government securities.

60.   The slow pace raised speculation that this round of talks will continue into next week.