1.   Although the Food and Drug Administration has approved BST for safety, there has been strong consumer concern about its use, H.E.B. said.

2.   Analysts attribute the big increase to strong consumer spending, improving overseas economies and weak comparable figures from last year.

3.   Are there shortages of goods or services, given the strong consumer demand?

4.   Beamscope Canada Inc. said strong consumer demand for its satellite television systems may be tempered by a lag in delivery by its U.S. supplier.

5.   Bonds and stocks slumped on this latest sign that strong labor markets and strong consumer confidence are helping to offset the effects of higher mortgage rates, analysts said.

6.   Bonds slumped on this latest sign that strong labor markets and strong consumer confidence are helping to offset the effects of higher mortgage rates, analysts said.

7.   A growing economy and strong consumer confidence provided a positive business climate during the quarter, Banta chairman Donald Belcher said.

8.   A strong consumer banking business bolstered results.

9.   A survey of purchasing managers, issued Thursday, reinforced reports of strong consumer confidence and rising home sales earlier in the week.

10.   But both companies reported flat revenues, indicating the results were produced by cost savings and not by strong consumer spending.