21.   Stocks may trade mixed next week as concern over electricity rates offsets optimism interest rates are on their way down, analysts said.

22.   The prospect of interest rates remaining high until the end of the year offset optimism for a large purchase in the electricity industry, Tagle said.

23.   U.K. gilts fell as German bunds slipped from earlier highs offsetting optimism that slower economic growth suggests British interest rates have further to fall.

24.   U.S. stocks were mixed as a spate of profit warnings offset optimism that companies will keep boosting shareholder value through mergers and stock buybacks.

25.   U.S. stocks were mixed, as concern that the Federal Reserve will soon raise interest rates for the second time this year offset optimism engendered by rising corporate profits.

26.   U.S. stocks fell after General Motors Corp. reported lower profit in Europe, offsetting optimism that corporate earnings will beat expectations in the first quarter.

27.   Weak retail sales at the kickoff of the holiday season offset the optimism.

28.   Japanese stocks traded mixed early Friday as nagging doubts about the health of the economy offset optimism over new details about planned economic stimulus spending.

29.   Such worries also weighed on domestic prices, offsetting optimism the stronger dollar would boost the earnings of Japanese exporters.

30.   This, he said, was offsetting any optimism provided by recent euro zone data.