The reason most often given for this flabbiness is the soft economy.

The continued soft economy that prompted the conference may be good news for interest rates.

The company's profits have been hurt by a softer economy.

The soft economy is one reason for the increase.

"But we seem to be in a time when the mass appeal of it is remarkably strong, given the soft economy."

Q. How have these companies done so well in a soft economy?

He blamed a soft economy and said the company would seek to cut costs further.

The soft economy this year has put more companies close to the edge.

By March, both companies started saying that the soft economy would, indeed, hurt their profits.

"So the softer economy is something they'll have to overcome."