11.   Asian markets were mixed as Japanese and Korean stocks fell in response to weakening currencies while stabilizing bank lending rates boosted shares in Hong Kong.

12.   Bank shares were also boosted by falling bond yields.

13.   Bahraini stocks declined in the week ended Thursday, even as optimism about banking earnings boosted financial shares, brokers said.

14.   Banking shares were also boosted by speculation about consolidation in the industry.

15.   Be especially leery of any company that wants to boost authorized shares without giving a reason.

16.   BELGIAN stocks rose, with a stronger dollar boosting shares such as UCB SA and Bekaert NV, two companies with large sales in the U.S. currency.

17.   Belgian shares rose, fueled by merger speculation in the banking industry and a near five-month high in the dollar, which boosted shares in exporters.

18.   Belgian stocks are expected to rise in coming days as positive company news and renewed optimism for global markets boosts shares like Fortis AG, an insurer.

19.   A drop in crude oil prices boosted shares of distributors such as Cosmo Oil Co., lowering the amount they pay for crude on world markets.

20.   A jump in copper prices, which reversed much of recent declines, boosted shares in mining companies.