11.   Foreign Minister Herve de Charette said Thursday the Mideast peace process would advance despite the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, though it may not be easy.

12.   However, some market observers were more encouraged that the market advanced despite two disappointing reports on consumer confidence and manufacturing activity.

13.   Lithuania also advanced despite its first loss.

14.   Markets in Europe are advancing despite a decision by the European Central Bank to keep its key interest rate unchanged.

15.   Oil stocks advanced despite a dip in oil prices.

16.   Soybeans advanced despite lackluster weekly export sales numbers.

17.   The major indexes advanced despite a downturn in tech stocks.

18.   The sector advanced despite widespread downgrades Monday by Prudential Securities, which also said it believes semiconductors will bottom in the second or third quarter.

19.   Yahoo and Motorola, which reported quarterly results slightly ahead of expectations, advanced despite indications that business might be weak in the coming months.

20.   Top seeds Pete Sampras and Monica Seles advanced despite injury worries, as did Andre Agassi and Jim Courier.