51.   Immigrants have made more modest gains in higher-brow pursuits such as literature, classical music and art.

52.   In addition, the stock markets are ending a lackluster year of modest gains.

53.   In any case, Democrats are taking heart from exceedingly modest gains.

54.   In an all-too-frequent pattern, stocks opened with modest gains only to fall steadily.

55.   In November a Harvard University study of New York students who used scholarships to transfer into private and parochial schools found very modest gains.

56.   Indeed, after an early decline, bonds rallied and finished the day with modest gains, pulling down interest rates.

57.   In the meantime, steps that are already under way to control pollution should continue to provide more modest gains in air quality.

58.   Investors pummeled retail shares, which reported modest gains for December and the fourth quarter in stores open at least a year.

59.   LAST-MINUTE BUYING LIFTS STOCKS A burst of last-minute bargain hunting gave the market a modest gain.

60.   Los Angeles County also eked out a modest gain.