Even to make predictions about overall trends in technology is now most difficult.

Still, the overall trend is mirrored in other places not covered by the report.

"Unless the market gets another leader rather quickly, the overall trend may be negative."

The overall trend of economic data over the past several months has been encouraging.

It also begins to look at some of the processes which together make up these overall trends.

The overall trend remains toward more permanent differences in earnings.

"It may have been true four years ago, but it's not a good indication of the overall trend," he said.

As presented by the report, however, the overall trend seemed ominous.

The overall trend from 1993 to 1998, he said, showed improvement.

But if you look over the last few years, the overall trend is in the right direction.