Is his plane exhibiting better-than-expected performance?

But the big news last quarter was the better-than-expected performance of co-ops, which have been a lagging indicator in recent years.

This compares with a £55 million loss last year, and was boosted by better-than-expected performances from its Post Office branches.

Despite that better-than-expected performance, the Canadian currency plummeted to new lows in the last quarter of 2001.

Even though the vice president is the best debater in presidential politics today, Mr. Bush could gain significantly with a better-than-expected performance.

Mexico's stock market posted its best gain of the year, lifted by a better-than-expected performance by Telefonos de Mexico.

Some of the softness in the personal income tax was offset by the better-than-expected performance of business and sales taxes.

But the strategy of lower fares contributed to a better-than-expected performance by the USAir Group.

Dergarabedian also ascribed the better-than-expected performance to the studio's marketing of Valkyrie as a thriller film.

Ms. Tyson said the President's commitment to reducing the deficit had been "a significant factor in the better-than-expected performance of the economy."