An insurer that sought to charge everyone the same rate would quick find itself in the red when people whose expected costs were higher than the flat rate raced to sign up.

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When the yield curve is inverted or relatively flat, it is a sign that investors are so afraid of future economic weakness that they are willing to take low interest rates on long-term holdings for fear that returns will become even less attractive later on.

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Another sign gold's rebound may run flat is that metal held by gold exchange traded funds has declined even as prices recovered.

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Mr Smith said that as he left the flat on the later occasion Mr Coats made a thumbs up sign and gestured as if he had something in his pocket.

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The only obvious sign of the 21st century in each bedroom is the flat-screen TV hung discreetly amid the white linen curtains and antique prints.

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There was no sign of that injury in the opening game as the huge, flat forehand that did for Federer in New York earned Del Potro an early break point, but Murray saved it with an ace and then took control.

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In a sign that businesses remain uncertain about the strength of the economic recovery, business inventories for March were flat, compared with expectations for a rise.

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