11.   Investors applauded the move because the company will be easier to analyze and allow management to better focus on business, analysts said.

12.   Investors applauded the news, driving both NationsBank and BankAmerica stock to all-time highs.

13.   Investors applauded the news, seeing savings, economies of scale and the end of what had been expected to be a protracted battle.

14.   Investors applauded the news.

15.   Investors applauded the purchase.

16.   Investors applaud all this.

17.   Investors applaud lower rates because they decrease corporate financing costs and beef up profits.

18.   Investors applauded the changes.

19.   Investors applauded the possibility of a tie-up.