31.   Banks, such as National Australia Bank Ltd., led the gains as bond yields held near record lows.

32.   Banks gained on optimism the fragile economy would keep interest rates at record lows enabling banks to accelerate write-offs of non-performing loans.

33.   Australian stocks gained, led by banks, as bond yields tumbled to a record low, making the return on shares relatively more attractive.

34.   Bank of Japan Gov. Yasuo Matsushita has said he will not raise overnight interest rates from record lows until consumer spending and conditions for small companies improve.

35.   Bank stocks rose as bond yields fell to record lows.

36.   Banks also fell as bond yields rose, after striking record lows yesterday.

37.   Banks rose as bond yields held near record lows.

38.   Bonds are also less attractive with yields just off record lows, he said.

39.   Bonds are receiving support from shaky stocks, and optimism the Bank of Japan will maintain interest rates at record lows.

40.   Bonds were little changed on the production report, which is seen by analysts as giving the Bank of Japan little reason to raise interest rates from record lows.