For the first time since the late 1940's, the economy is growing strongly despite a sustained drop in purchasing by Federal, state and local governments.

Until now, the only part of the world to suffer a sustained drop in incomes has been Africa.

"No airline except American could survive any sustained drop in ridership," the official said.

Thirty-seven states saw sustained drops in their teen-age birth rates from 1991 to 1994, the statistics show.

A sustained drop in the market could easily crack confidence and encourage America's big spenders to go on a consumption diet.

"The vulnerability to inflation from a sustained drop in the dollar now would be greater."

Here is the bad news: The sustained drop in business fares probably cannot last.

However, even hardy plants can suffer freezing damage if there is a sudden and/or sustained drop in temperature.

The housing market remains weak, and another sustained drop in prices could badly undercut the economy.

A sustained drop in the dollar's value, experts reason, could prevent the Federal Reserve Board from cutting interest rates further.