In fact, the human impact on Earth has grown progressively, with few substantial slowdowns.

He said he foresaw no improvement in the United States trade deficit until a substantial economic slowdown occurred.

Nonetheless, said its proprietor, Kenneth Safian, the outlook is still for "a substantial slowdown but not yet a recession."

That would be a substantial slowdown compared with the last three decades which have averaged 10%.

That three-year gap and the one of nearly three years that preceded the eighth printing indicate a substantial slowdown in what, by any standard, are still very impressive sales.

But with other sectors still showing red-hot growth, there appears to be little risk of a substantial economic slowdown.

Credit Suisse First Boston's net profit rose 25 percent, outstripping market estimates despite a substantial slowdown in revenue growth in the second half.

Mr. Miller also said: "I am concerned that overreaction today on inflation numbers may portend a substantial slowdown a year from now.

That would reflect a substantial slowdown, since the company expects its total revenue this year to be up 22 percent from 2001.

Brugg's location at the edge of Bern's territory had led to a substantial economic slowdown in town.