21.   Despite this decline, the market remains underpinned by a strike at a nickel site in Canada, owned by the Inco mining company.

22.   The traders said the market remains in a consolidation phase, but the basic mood remains optimistic.

23.   Market sentiment remains mixed on the likely impact of corporate earnings revisions over the coming weeks, brokers said.

24.   The market remains weighed down by lack of interest from investors.