41.   U.S. stocks rose, led by shares of drug and heath-care companies, amid speculation those companies will post the strongest profits this quarter.

42.   U.S. stocks climbed to records as investors bet that semiconductor and computer companies will be among those posting the strongest profits this quarter.

43.   U.S. stocks slumped as rising interest rates sent a warning about the strength of corporate profits in future quarters, money managers and traders said.

44.   With interest rates relatively low and stocks near record highs, prospects for fourth quarter profits are good.

45.   A report released by UBS Warburg remained fairly upbeat about General Motors Corp. and Chrysler Group of DaimlerChrysler AG, which both posted first quarter profits.

46.   British American Tobacco PLC posted a slight rise in first quarter operating profit Tuesday.

47.   British American Tobacco PLC posted a slight rise in first quarter operating profit Monday.

48.   Compaq Computer Corp., which soon could become part of rival Hewlett-Packard Co., reported a first quarter profit that was slightly ahead of Wall Street estimates.

49.   Last week, Aetna posted stronger-than-expected fourth quarter profits, but warned it was having trouble controlling rising medical costs.

50.   Several other newspaper companies have also warned investors about lower first quarter profits due to a steep decline in advertising spending.