1.   Bank of Japan Gov. Yasuo Matsushita yesterday said an increase in interest rates would stifle economic growth.

2.   Cemex supporters say the tariff has resulted in a cement shortage and high prices, which stifle growth and harm consumers.

3.   Colombian stocks fell this week amid worries the U.S. will impose further trade sanctions that would stifle economic growth and curb exports.

4.   Colombian stocks fell this week amid worry the U.S. will impose further trade sanctions that would stifle economic growth and curb exports.

5.   Finally, some executives fear any plan that increases business taxes -- even if it lowers them for capital-intensive ones -- would stifle economic growth.

6.   Government borrowings raise long-term interest rates, stifling economic growth.

7.   Growth was stifled at home by energy rationing and high interest rates and abroad by weak export markets.

8.   Heavy debt burdens, and their associated costs, can stifle growth in the poorest developing countries, leaving them unattractive to foreign investors, IMF officials stress.

9.   Higher interest rates would stifle economic growth because companies have to pay higher borrowing costs.

10.   Higher mortgage rates are likely to stifle growth in housing, which could help put the brakes on the economy, analysts said.