11.   The sector was buoyed by expectations for healthy profit margins this year.

12.   U.K. bank shares rose for the third straight day, led again by HSBC Holdings Plc which was buoyed by expectations of strong earnings and a shortage of shares.

13.   Philippine stocks rose sharply Wednesday, buoyed by expectations of a favorable February inflation report, traders said.

14.   Corn and soybean futures climbed higher Wednesday on the Chicago Board of Trade, buoyed by expectations of strong weekly export sales.

15.   Corn prices bounced higher Wednesday in early activity on the Chicago Board of Trade, buoyed by expectations of more planting delays in the western corn belt.

16.   Hong Kong share prices closed sharply higher Thursday, buoyed by expectations of U.S. interest rates cuts.

17.   Kosaku Inagaki, manager of the stock trading department with Kaisei Securities Co., said the stock market was buoyed by expectations of more stimulative measures from the government.

18.   Kosaku Inagaki, manager of the stock trading department with Kaisei Securities Co., said the stock market was buoyed by expectations of more stimulus measures from the government.

19.   Mexican stocks remained close to break-even Monday, buffeted by a bearish Dow Jones Industrial Average but buoyed by expectations of strong first-quarter earnings.

20.   Soybean prices rallied higher Tuesday on the Chicago Board of Trade, buoyed by expectations for drier weather in prime growing regions of South America.