11.   Offsetting some of the gloom about rising rates, however, was continued optimism about corporate profits, which are beginning to be reported for the summer quarter.

12.   Rising seat prices may signal continued optimism for stocks.

13.   Selected exporters were popular, helped by continued optimism over overseas earnings.

14.   Technology shares such as Sony Corp. and Nikon Corp. rose on continued optimism their earnings will grow as the dollar climbs against the yen.

15.   Taiwan shares closed at a new seven-year high, led by United Microelectronics Corp. on continued optimism semiconductor companies will enjoy robust earnings growth.

16.   The interest-rate sensitive Dow Jones Utility Average set an almost four-year high, reflecting continued optimism for lower bond yields, Nagle said.

17.   The semiconductor equipment makers benefited from continued optimism that profits will rise following a strong earnings report from Applied Materials Inc. of the U.S.

18.   Traders said stocks may rise next week amid continued optimism that the government will do more to help banks clean up their bad loans.

19.   U.S. stocks rose to records as continued optimism for profits overshadowed rising interest rates.

20.   U.S. stocks rose to records for a second day amid continued optimism for profits, as investors looked past rising interest rates.