1.   A lower number shows increasing pessimism about the business outlook.

2.   A lower number shows increasing pessimism about the business outlook for the next three to six months.

3.   But Japanese businesses and consumers have responded to the cuts with increasing pessimism and a determination to keep their money safe in banks.

4.   Galbraith, reflecting an increasing pessimism among diplomats here, said that time is running out for averting a new war in Croatia.

5.   Increasing pessimism about sustained strength in the dollar also took its toll on trading.

6.   Increasing pessimism about whether the dollar will be able to sustain its strength also took its toll on trading.

7.   The April drop returned consumer confidence to the same level it was at in February, reflecting increasing pessimism about both current and future business conditions.

8.   The decline, reversing two consecutive monthly gains, reflects increasing pessimism about the job outlook and the economy.

9.   The drop, reversing two consecutive monthly gains, reflects increasing pessimism about the job outlook and the economy.

10.   On major social issues -- social security, drugs, morale, crime, job security, corruption and education -- the survey showed increasing pessimism.