1.   Analysts think that the likely alliance between Zeneca and Astra will spark more deals and stoke merger speculation on both continents.

2.   As for Li, news of the investment will stoke speculation he may mount a battle to take over what was the corporate symbol of colonial Hong Kong.

3.   A German government report Friday showing a stronger-than-expected increase in import prices stoked speculation the Bundesbank will raise interest rates to keep inflation in check.

4.   A coming fund-raiser in Georgia is stoking speculation about political races four years or so down the road.

5.   A report from the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia yesterday also stoked speculation for higher rates that are needed to forestall inflation.

6.   Don Ohlmeyer, the producer, has cheerfully refused to stoke speculation.

7.   It could be that he and other possible contenders like Powell could spend months stoking the speculation, and gauging the political winds, before announcing a decision.

8.   Recent reports showing rising prices in Germany have stoked speculation the Bundesbank may boost the rate to keep inflation under control.

9.   Slowing German inflation and scaled-back economic forecasts had stoked speculation a rate cut was imminent.

10.   That stoked speculation Shell would announce a special dividend or even acquire a big oil and gas producer to better use its cash.