1.   Chip makers also fared better after the sector was downgraded Monday by Merrill Lynch.

2.   Semiconductor stocks rose sharply again Tuesday, even though Prudential Securities downgraded the sector on Monday.

3.   Semiconductor stocks again accounted for much of the tech advance, even though on Monday the sector was downgraded by Prudential Securities.

4.   Stocks of companies that make fiber optic networking equipment fell after Merrill Lynch downgraded the sector, citing higher inventories that could cut into future sales.