Milestones

Ten years ago: President Reagan slapped $300 million in punitive duties on imported Japanese computers, television sets and power tools in retaliation for Japan’s alleged violation of a computer chip trade agreement.

Five years ago: Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan told the Senate Banking Committee the modest pace of economic expansion wasn’t adequate, a remark interpreted as a signal he might cut interest rates further.

One year ago: A jury in Los Angeles opted to spare Erik and Lyle Menendez the death penalty, recommending that the brothers instead serve life in prison without parole for gunning down their wealthy parents.