Feverish speculation about further mergers in the auto industry is actually increasing the likelihood of additional deals.

Half-informed speculation can only increase the danger for others.

This effort, however, was partially caused by the fall in tax revenues during that time as public speculation about the weaknesses of the government was increasing.

Its share price has risen nearly 14 percent in the last two weeks as speculation about a merger increased.

But the stock has risen recently as speculation has increased that it might sell some assets, and it shot up 4.4 percent yesterday.

But the pressure on Showalter and speculation about his job status will increase if the Yankees stumble.

Meanwhile, speculation about Ronaldinho leaving the club increased.

That speculation will surely increase for Hamilton and perhaps El-Amin.

But even as they met yesterday in Manhattan, speculation that the company would file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy increased.

Such speculation continued in 2011, as Goode increased his visibility in paleoconservative circles.