81.   Bad weather, lower consumer confidence, higher energy prices and stock market volatility all played a role.

82.   Builders, however, say that are concerned that low consumer confidence, stock market volatility and higher energy costs will dampen sales in the future.

83.   But consumers who are being hit by drastically higher energy bills this winter have little cause for celebration yet.

84.   But if higher energy prices are sustained and spill over into other product prices to make them more expensive, they also can spark inflation.

85.   Critics say it would mean sharply higher energy prices, while many environmentalists maintain the goals can be met by improving energy efficiency.

86.   Daniels said Bush was particularly concerned about providing relief to taxpayers who are struggling to pay higher energy bills this year.

87.   Despite higher energy prices, consumer spending has remained firm, Greenspan said in his remarks.

88.   Despite higher energy prices, consumer spending has remained firm, Greenspan said.

89.   Despite sharply higher energy costs, the Fed said consumer prices were largely steady.

90.   Economists said lower consumer confidence, stock market volatility, higher energy prices and slower job growth are all factors in the drop in existing-home sales.