1.   Although the numbers were released after financial markets finished trading for the day, investors are optimistic about the economy.

2.   And the U.S. bond market finished the day little changed.

3.   Asian markets finished mostly lower.

4.   But secondary stocks picked up steam in afternoon trading and the whole market finished sharply higher.

5.   If there were no other auctions this week, he added, the market would have finished with strong gains.

6.   In Asia, markets finished mixed on Thursday as Malaysia and Indonesia each took steps to encourage foreign investors to re-enter their markets.

7.   Other Asian markets finished lower, but the turnaround in Japan helped European stock markets rally.

8.   Prices of long-term Treasury issues rose Monday, but without the furor of the previous two sessions as activity seemed to stall and the overall market finished mixed.

9.   Talk of a possible bankruptcy by Orange County froze the muni market momentarily, but the speculation was dispelled and the market finished strong.

10.   Traders and analysts were divided on whether the market will finish the year higher.