11.   In February, TJX reported a ninefold increase in fourth-quarter profit, led by gains at its T.J. Maxx and Marshalls stores.

12.   Industry figures already show department store sales marched higher in July, led by gains at Federated Department Stores Inc. and Kmart Corp.

13.   Larger-than-expected income gains led consumers to spend more and confirmed shoppers were still driving the economy before the market plunge.

14.   Massachusetts stocks rose today led by gains in Biogen Inc. stock as the drug company began recouping recent losses.

15.   Markets Stocks surged led by gains by department store and oil company stocks.

16.   Maryland stocks rose, led by gains in shares of Lockheed Martin Corp. and Marriott International Inc.

17.   Massachusetts stocks rose for the second day, led by gains in shares of Cambridge Technology Partners Inc. and a rally in other technology stocks.

18.   MIXED RESULTS AT WALL ST. FIRMS Merrill Lynch and Paine Webber posted unexpectedly strong earnings, led by gains in investment banking and asset management.

19.   New York metropolitan area stocks rose slightly for the week, led by gains in oil stocks, which rallied as the price of crude jumped.

20.   Ohio stocks rose for a second day, led by gains in Diebold Inc. after the company reported third-quarter earnings that beat estimates.