61.   The action by the state has prompted speculation at the gaming center that the card room would be closed.

62.   The announcement prompted speculation among some analysts that the company might be considering a spinoff of the struggling video rental operation to get its stock back to former levels.

63.   The cut in overnight rates prompted speculation the Bank of France would cut an official interest rate tomorrow.

64.   The dispute has prompted speculation among some FBI officials that Yemeni authorities may want to hide their own contacts with shadowy figures.

65.   The dollar fell, meantime, after a Japanese newspaper report quoting a Federal Reserve governor prompted speculation Fed might cut interest rates again soon.

66.   The dollar suffered in recent days against the mark after other German officials prompted speculation the Bundesbank no longer wants to see the mark weaken.

67.   The delay in identifying the teams to be eliminated prompted speculation ascribing two different motives to the plan.

68.   The dollar rose against the deutsche mark after a report showing slower German money supply growth in November prompted speculation that the Bundesbank might reduce interest rates again soon.

69.   The freefall in Hong Kong prompted speculation it may follow other Southeast Asian markets and devalue its currency, making imports more expensive.

70.   The delay in financing even prompted speculation that the takeover might fall through.