11.   Activity remained focused on the changes in the stocks indexes, traders said.

12.   Additionally, factory activity remains mixed, and demand for exports could be hurt by weak economies overseas.

13.   Business activity remains strong in most parts of the U.S.

14.   But foreign mission activity remains highly competitive.

15.   Construction activity remains strong in most parts of the U.S., it said.

16.   Construction activity remained in the doldrums.

17.   Energy activity remained steady though oil and natural gas prices decreased.

18.   Even with lower rates, however, housing activity remains subdued.

19.   Factory activity remains strong.

20.   Figures for September released earlier this week suggest manufacturing activity remains subdued.