21.   Investors bid down bank shares this year amid a series of merger and near-collapses in the financial industry.

22.   Investors bid down shares of brokerages on concern a recent rally pushed prices to levels which may not accurately reflect earnings potential, traders said.

23.   Investors had bid down bank shares amid a series of mergers and near-collapses in the financial industry.

24.   Investors have bid down bank shares this year amid a series of mergers and near-collapses in the financial industry.

25.   Investors bid down stocks on persistent concern that profit growth in corporate Japan is slowing.

26.   Investors have bid down banks shares this year amid a series of merger and near-collapses in the financial industry.

27.   Investors showed no sign that they expect big help from the bank, bidding down stocks in thin Tokyo trading.

28.   Japanese stocks may trade little changed next week as investors bid up shares in large exporters and bid down banks and brokerages.

29.   Shipping shares led gainers on expectations a stronger dollar will boost earnings, while domestic insurers bid down high-tech stocks on economic concerns.

30.   Some investors bid down stocks on concern a reported comment from Finance Minister Wataru Kubo may foreshadow higher interest rates, traders said.