Economists said construction was not at unhealthy levels, particularly when compared with a sharp slump in December and January.

The rush of foreign investors back into Japan is the main reason for the dollar's sharp slump against the Japanese yen over the last 10 weeks.

Mired in the sharpest slump in its history, Cisco Systems, the computer networking giant, said today that it would restructure its business as its decline in sales showed signs of easing.

After a sharp slump in 1992 and 1993, audiences are beginning to return to theaters, while new productions are now averaging 40 a year, thanks to continuing Government subsidies and major investment by Polish television.

In the event the miners struck without the support of other unions ("Black Friday"), and the sharp slump took the sting out of labour unrest.

Rapid growth in the 1970's was followed by a sharp slump in the recessionary years of 1981 and 1982 and a slow recovery that drove out many retailers.

It ended the year above $1,570 an ounce, well above its $1,420 price tag at the close of 2010, notwithstanding a sharp slump in early December.

Despite dry weather, housing construction only partly rebounded in June from the sharp slump in May, and economists say rising mortgage rates will probably curtail home building for the rest of the year.

Compaq blamed a sharp slump in the European business market for a 9 percent drop in worldwide sales.

Mr. Farley said at the time that a "streamlining" was needed in response to a sharp slump in third-quarter profits.