1.   Economists credit that sharp downturn with helping to quash inflation and encourage an industrial restructuring that set the stage for a record growth run.

2.   Economists credit the lowered interest rates with keeping the downturn from being far tougher.

3.   Economists credited the increase to major federal spending on the war in Afghanistan and to improve security at home.

4.   Economists credit Fed cuts with keeping the economy from a dramatic plunge this year.

5.   In fact, economists credit Nafta with enabling Mexico to move forward instead of back after the peso dropped.

6.   Most economists credit such reforms for helping Mexico get back on its feet.

7.   Independent economists also credit World Bank-dictated tight money supply and compulsory savings imposed by the Central Bank.

8.   Economists credit the low interest rates with helping the housing market.