1.   This was sufficiently pronounced to offset the drop in the oil import bill following the recent price collapse.

2.   A hefty increase in gasoline stockpiles, and low demand, offset a drop in refinery production, as some refiners reduced operations for seasonal maintenance.

3.   A rise in business lending offset a drop in consumer lending.

4.   A rise in group activities offset a drop in health care and chemicals used for agriculture.

5.   But that drop has been offset by increased business with western Canada and the United States, he said.

6.   By U.S. law, the president has to find money in the Budget to offset any drop in revenues that result from lower tariffs.

7.   Canadian stocks rose to a fifth record in as many sessions as higher base-metals shares offset a drop in consumer products and gold stocks.

8.   Computer shares led the advance, offsetting a drop in telephone shares, whose dividends look less attractive as bond yields rise.

9.   Expectations that car sales picked up this month sent auto shares higher, offsetting the drop in technology issues.