1.   Paul Davison, director of strategic development at Rosyth, said he had become increasingly optimistic over the past few weeks.

2.   Brazilian stocks rose to a record, led by Petroleo Brasileiro SA, as investors were optimistic over prospects for constitutional reforms making it easier to cut spending.

3.   Carpenter is even more optimistic over the long haul.

4.   Investors were optimistic over the sale of state assets expected to start this year.

5.   De Villers said his party workers throughout the province were optimistic over the final tally, even though decisive showings were unlikely to be known before noon Friday.

6.   Mr Lam said the European and US-based foreign investors are optimistic over the stability of the Chinese economy.

7.   Neighbors, aid donors, optimistic over election prospects.

8.   The opposition leader told reporters Thursday said he was optimistic over his election prospects.

9.   While RHB seems optimistic over reaching an agreement by this week, CAHB is looking at a longer duration in considering whether to opt for equity or cash.

10.   Ahmad Tibi, an Israeli-Arab adviser to Arafat, was Monday optimistic over the chances of an agreement.