1.   And placating the automakers would prevent them from pushing the Clinton administration to put pressure on Japan to strengthen the yen.

2.   A narrowing gap between U.S. and Japanese rates could strengthen the yen and hurt the economy, which is only slowly recovering from a five-year slump.

3.   A move by U.S. central bankers to lower interest rates to boost the American economy could lift domestic bonds by strengthening the yen versus the dollar.

4.   His statement eclipsed hints by other Japanese officials that Japan might act to strengthen the yen if it continues to fall.

5.   Higher Japanese interest rates could strengthen the yen against the dollar, driving the U.S. currency lower.

6.   Higher Japanese rates also could strengthen the yen, making exporters less competitive overseas and decreasing the value of profits earned abroad in terms of yen.

7.   If the gap between U.S. and Japanese rates narrows, that could strengthen the yen and hurt the Japanese economy.

8.   If the survey turns out stronger than expected, it could fuel speculation for higher interest rates and strengthen the yen.

9.   Stronger-than-expected results may fuel speculation of higher Japanese rates and strengthen the yen.

10.   Stronger-than-expected results could fuel speculation for higher Japanese rates and strengthen the yen.