61.   Investors speculated any increase in U.S. rates will be limited.

62.   Investors speculated that evidence of slowing U.S. growth may prompt the Federal Reserve to lower its target interest rate in the months ahead.

63.   Investors speculated that loans Japanese banks have extended to other Asian countries, experiencing market turmoil, could go sour.

64.   Investors also are speculating that IBM may bid for Novell Inc., which makes network software.

65.   Investors are speculating that the company has reached agreement with a strategic partner who will launch a public offering to acquire control of the company next week.

66.   Investors are speculating the company may exploit an iron ore deposit in northern Chile, Berzesio said.

67.   Investors had speculated the central bank would ease some restrictions with the departure of Zahler from the presidency.

68.   Investors have often speculated on if DuPont will sell Conoco or spin it off from its chemical manufacturing operations.

69.   Investors have speculated GT is set to sell stock since Regent Kingpin Capital Management Ltd announced a takeover bid for the fund last month.

70.   Investors have speculated that EDS, which GM plans to spin off, might try to buy a major long-distance carrier.