71.   Such slow, steady growth should keep the jobless rate from rising much and should provide a good environment for investors, said economists.

72.   Still, the increase in wages points to a pick-up in inflation, say some economists.

73.   Still, the slump in consumer spending in Japan will suppress import growth through next year, economists said.

74.   Still, while importers are paying more for raw materials, many are not passing on the higher costs to customers because of stiff competition, economists said.

75.   That could allow him to get on with needed state reforms and sales of state companies, which have been stalled amid the crisis, economists said this week.

76.   Such as step, if deemed valid for EMU entrance by the European Union, would ensure Germany meets the EMU deficit goal, economists said.

77.   That confirmed the Bank of Japan would be unable to raise interest rates before this summer, economists said.

78.   That could have prevented some workers from filing, economists said, though seasonal adjustments should have accounted for the holiday.

79.   That rate is low enough, say some economists, to drive wage and inflation rates higher.

80.   That may happen someday, say economists, but not anytime soon.