1.   Banking stocks rose after a weeklong drop in bond yields showed signs of holding.

2.   Banking stocks rose after Banca San Paolo di Brescia said it is examining cooperation with another Brescia-based bank, Banca Popolare di Brescia.

3.   Banking stocks rose as increased buying power promises to boost revenue from credit-card and housing loans.

4.   Banking companies rose on expectations of further interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.

5.   Banking stocks rose on the view interest rates may be cut further, which could increase lending by the banks.

6.   Banking shares rose amid optimism that they will clean up their bad loans and their profits will grow if interest rates remain low, traders said.

7.   Banking shares rose, aided by a government plan to promote mergers and acquisitions among them.

8.   But banking shares rose on expectations that the new finance minister, Kiichi Miyazawa, may be less aggressive in pursuing reform.

9.   In contrast, banking stocks rose after favourable broker comment.

10.   Banking stocks rose on renewed hope the government would act to prevent a financial crisis, analysts said.