41.   Minnesota stocks rose slightly this week, led by Hutchinson Technology Inc. and Innovex Inc., on optimism about the profit outlook for technology companies.

42.   Mayne blamed the poor profit outlook on its U.K. security, and European and Australian transport operations.

43.   New York metropolitan area stocks rose, led by Schlumberger Ltd. and Xerox Corp., as investor confidence in a growing economy boosted profit outlooks.

44.   None have reported agreements that would change their profit outlook.

45.   On Thursday, stocks fell for the first time in seven trading days amid uncertainty about the profit outlook for banks.

46.   Paper stocks, which saw earnings fall in recent quarters from year-earlier levels, gained on expectations that the profit outlook is improving.

47.   Retailers and automakers also face a clouded profit outlook.

48.   Stocks of department stores and clothing retailers were among the decliners as signs of waning consumer spending weakened their profit outlook.

49.   The company also reduced its profit outlook.

50.   The figures leave intact speculation that the Bank of England will raise the cost of borrowing again soon to stop price rises from accelerating, marring the profit outlook.