11.   Optimism grew after news from Washington that Clinton will meet with congressional leaders later today to talk about restarting the stalled negotiations and ending the shutdown.

12.   The DOLLAR fell against the yen in Europe as optimism grew that a crisis in Asian financial markets may be easing.

13.   The optimism grew late last week after Vice Finance Minister Tadashi Ogawa said the government may buy property held by banks as collateral from defunct housing-loan companies.

14.   U.S. stocks are expected to gain, led by automobiles, airlines and retailers, as optimism grows that a strong economy will produce rosy earnings.

15.   U.S. stocks rose in active trading as optimism grew that interest rates will fall further in the months ahead and boost corporate profits.

16.   U.S. stocks rose to records for a third day as optimism grew that interest rates will fall further in the months ahead and boost corporate profits.

17.   Forecasters worried thick clouds could interfere, though optimism was growing.