1.   The dollar remains strong, and a survey of economists showed consensus expectations of solid growth in the coming year.

2.   Both the quarterly and yearly earnings were in line with the consensus expectations of financial analysts.

3.   Communications equipment maker Cisco ignited the rally by reporting fiscal third-quarter profits that were two cents above the consensus analyst expectations.

4.   Merrill Lynch expects oil sector companies to report earnings for the quarter ending in June at or slightly better than consensus expectations.

5.   The earnings were below consensus expectations.

6.   The results exceeded consensus analyst expectations.

7.   Therefore, Raytheon said, it expects to meet consensus earnings expectations.

8.   Investors were not discouraged by weak January machinery orders data which was much worse than consensus expectations.

9.   The rate was in line with consensus expectations.