61.   But there was still widespread expectation that the rate could be lowered a few times in coming months, said Michael Saunders, an economist with Salomon Smith Barney.

62.   By lowering the rate, the central bank hopes to spur lending.

63.   By lowering toll rates the government will help reduce transportation costs and indirectly bring down inflation, analysts said.

64.   Chicago-based Ameritech lowered rates twice before under a plan the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission approved last year.

65.   Childbirth has been linked to lower rates of breast cancer, and there have been concerns that lesbians get significantly more breast cancer than heterosexual women.

66.   Central Bank Deputy Governor Lars Heikensten said last month that recent weakness in the krona was one reason for not lowering official rates.

67.   Central bankers in July lowered rates for the first time in almost three years, citing a receding risk of inflation.

68.   Commercial banks immediately responded by lowering their rates.

69.   Con Edison said it will lower its rates in April.

70.   Consumers are being overcharged for credit life insurance, three advocacy groups said Wednesday, calling for state authorities to lower rates.