61.   Shinozawa was also formerly the direct superior of one of two ministry officials who resigned this year amid corruption allegations.

62.   Shares of Hanwa Bank, Fukutoku Bank, Bank of Osaka and Kofuku Bank fell this year amid speculation one of them would collapse, banking analaysts have said.

63.   Sharper Image is preparing for a Web sale of leftover merchandise from its Home Collection catalog, which was discontinued earlier this year amid plummeting sales.

64.   Short-term yields have fallen faster than long-term ones since the start of the year amid expectations for further Fed rate cuts.

65.   Specialty chemicals maker shares have soared this year amid a flurry of activity in the industry.

66.   Still others applied for green cards but found their applications held up for years amid a huge backlog at the Immigration and Naturalization Service.

67.   Stocks have been dragged down to their lowest point for the year amid concern interest rates will soar to protect the currency.

68.   Soybean prices rose earlier this year amid expectations that strong domestic and world demand would push stockpiles critically low by the end of summer.

69.   Stocks of REITs that own retail properties rebounded this year amid signs of recovery in the retail industry.

70.   Stocks rallied to record highs through the first five months of this year amid expectations earnings will continue to grow.