The interest rate on 30-year Treasury bonds fell to a record low of 6.70 percent yesterday amid widespread forecasts that the rate could drop further in coming weeks.

As the election results came in, there were widespread forecasts of yet another election within a year or two, instead of a full five-year parliamentary term.

The developments in the domestic and world economy that caused rates to rise during that period are expected to continue, and have led to widespread forecasts of higher interest rates, regardless of the budget deficit.

But interest rates have been one of the most surprising aspects of the economy this year, as widespread forecasts of rising long-term rates proved wrong.

Since October, the bank has lowered rates twice from a high of 7.5 percent amid widespread forecasts of low growth, if not recession, in some industries.

Bond prices declined modestly as investors remained inactive amid widespread forecasts of higher interest rates.

Share Price Soars In the wake of widespread forecasts that the company was worth far more than $45 a share, Koppers stock soared yesterday to $51.75, up $6.625, in heavy trading.

The holiday shopping season began merrily, with stores around the country reporting throngs of shoppers, dispelling, if only temporarily, widespread forecasts of a gloomy Christmas for retailers.

Only prototypes were ever built, despite widespread forecasts of production on a vast scale and bargain prices.

With memories of the stock market crash still fresh, and widespread forecasts that a recession was near and consumers would retrench, few expected a good holiday season.