11.   Some forecasters have been expecting stocks to retreat in a big way as investors cash in profits.

12.   Stocks appeared to gather momentum as money managers put to work piles of investor cash that had sat on the sidelines for much of January.

13.   Technology stocks, which have led the market higher for much of the year, have taken a few hits recently as investors cash out.

14.   Share prices were also pressured by selling in the futures contract throughout the day, as investors hedged cash positions, brokers said.