21.   Among Canadian companies that reported earnings yesterday, West Fraser Timber Co. and Noranda Forest Inc. both said third-quarter profits were disappointing.

22.   Among companies expected to be active, Smiths Industries Plc, the manufacturing company, is one of a handful of British firms to report earnings in coming days.

23.   Among companies reporting earnings today.

24.   Among the bright spots this quarter, U.S. banks will report strong earnings, boosted by solid revenue growth and better cost controls.

25.   Among major banks, NationsBank Corp. and Banc One Corp. are expected to report earnings that were hampered in part by recent acquisitions.

26.   Analysts said investors fear PLDT will be the next company to report disappointing earnings.

27.   Analysts said Nokia was trying to pre-empt what many expect to be discouraging comments from Motorola, which is to report earnings Wednesday.

28.   Among stocks reporting earnings, Burton and Hanson both announced strong increases in first-half profits although this failed to keep the stocks buoyant.

29.   Analysts said GE rose along with those of other companies that investors believe will continue to report growing earnings this year.

30.   Analysts said technology shares were upset by Microsoft, which reported earnings that were slightly better than expected after the market closed Thursday.