For the first time since the late 1940's, the economy is growing strongly despite a sustained drop in purchasing by Federal, state and local governments.

Despite a significant drop in remuneration he took up the post on 1 January 1963.

The day was a huge success, despite a small drop in attendance figures.

Despite an overall drop in beer sales, real ale has increased its market share.

This increase has come despite a sharp drop in the return from venture capital investments.

The pressure for reduced state taxes on national companies is coming despite a sharp drop in their tax bill.

Both described a sound, healthily growing economy, despite a 95-point drop of the Dow the day before.

Newark's homicide rate is also up slightly this year, despite an overall drop in crime.

Despite a drop in oil prices, investors apparently could not move past their anxiety about a possible interest rate increase later this month.

The state's prison population increased 65 percent since 1990 despite an overall drop in crime, according to census 2000 data.