Higher rates are already contributing to an increase in foreclosures.

But low rates may also be contributing to a deflationary chain of lower prices, wages and profits.

Scholars believes that high rates of investments, especially increases in capital invested per worker, have contributed to China's superior economic performance.

Lower rates of unemployment and rising wages may also be contributing to declining crime rates.

Those low rates have doubtless contributed to home prices that may well have risen too quickly.

The low rates of apprehension and conviction of criminals contribute to Mexico's high crime rate.

High rates of violence, including sexual abuse, contribute to the spread of the disease.

Low rates of reproduction may also contribute to its rarity.

The various recommended taxes and rates contribute towards a total revenue budget for 1993-94 of £241 million, 1.2 per cent more than 1991-92.

The resultant jobless rate and poverty have contributed to the feeling of hopelessness in the occupied territories.