Stock prices were mixed yesterday, as fears of rising interest rates continued to deter investors.

"Consumer confidence is higher, and there is less fear of higher interest rates."

Analysts said that investors may have shrugged off recent fears of rising inflation and higher interest rates.

The Tokyo stock market also dropped yesterday, on fears of higher interest rates.

Analysts said there were fears of rising interest rates and higher commodity prices.

And the recent unexpected instability in the dollar, which raised fears of higher interest rates, also provoked large price changes.

The advance, which was twice the increase predicted by most economists, added to fears of inflation and higher interest rates.

But for the most part, executives, dealers and analysts say car buyers do not base their decisions on fears of future interest rates.

Frankfurt dropped by 3.3%, thanks to fears of higher interest rates and a downturn in the bond market.

The figures were interpreted to mean that economic growth will be slow enough to ease fears of inflation and higher interest rates.