That has contributed to a sharp slowdown in consumer spending.

The Government has been trying to hold down growth to restrain inflation, which did show a sharp slowdown last year.

But a sharp slowdown in sales took hold two years ago.

Even in a sharp economic slowdown, the new economy seems to be surviving.

Even with a sharp slowdown, the company could still earn $1 billion this year.

A sharp economic slowdown in America has cut into sales of many luxury brands.

So far the economic data in Europe, unlike here, does not show that a sharp slowdown has arrived.

Although stronger than expected, it was still a sharp slowdown from the first quarter's 5.5 percent rate.

The growth rate was a sharp slowdown from the 6.6 percent that Japan experienced in the first quarter.

Yesterday's report also offered more evidence of the sharp slowdown in inflation.