81.   Although the rumours of abuses were at first strenuously denied, Tudjman later admitted they had taken place but refrained from condemning them.

82.   Analysts said rumours were spread around that the trading system would be changed and that the government would carry out an investigation into the source of speculative funds.

83.   An official at the embassy said the rumours were untrue.

84.   Analysts believe the rumours are part of a psychological war against UNITA, probably by the regime in Luanda.

85.   Analysts said B shares fell because rumours were being spread around again that the authorities would weed out local investors from the market.

86.   Another broker said that there had been rumours that early legislative elections might be held in France in June.

87.   At the time, rumours were rife of cash benefits being offered to immigrants, spread by listeners of the popular local radio station.

88.   Bank chairman Maina Boukar has broadcast a radio message declaring the rumours are baseless and have been spread by rival banks to discredit the BIAO.

89.   But the most persistent rumour is that the mantle will fall on John Galliano, who has held the reins at Givenchy, another LVMH house, since January.

90.   Dealers said there were rumours in mid-afternoon that the Bank of Japan was checking dollar-yen levels, a precursor to possible intervention.