41.   The drop was partially offset by a boost in the pulp and paper business.

42.   The decline in production would presumably offset the drop in demand, easing the price decline for farmers who wish to continue growing tobacco.

43.   The increase in gasoline stockpiles reflected weak demand and offset a drop in supplies of heating oil and other distillate fuels, which normally fall this time of year.

44.   The U.S. rating agency cautioned that PLDT must win regulatory approval to charge higher domestic rates and begin metering local calls to offset the drop in international revenue.

45.   Those gains offset a drop in HSBC Holdings Plc, which accounts for about one-fifth of the index.

46.   U.S. stocks were mixed as gain in computer shares offset a drop in retail issues.

47.   U.S. stocks were mixed as the lowest bond yields in more than four years offset a drop in Netscape Communications Corp.

48.   U.S. stocks were mixed as shares of automaker rose on expectations that car sales picked up this month, offsetting a drop in technology issues.

49.   Wisconsin stocks were little changed as gains in Harley-Davidson Inc. offset a drop in shares of Johnson Controls Inc.

50.   Yesterday, Seagram Co., Alcan Aluminium Ltd. and Toronto Dominion Bank helped lift the market higher, offsetting a drop in gold issues.