11.   A surge in General Electric helped lead those two indexes higher, as investors speculated that its acquisition of Honeywell International might be in trouble.

12.   A trader said investors speculate NationsBank Corp. may bid for the two companies, which are about to merge.

13.   Also, investors are speculating on the direction of U.S. bond yields, said Vasic.

14.   Also, investors speculated a new economic program due to be unveiled Sunday might contain fewer-than-expected market-friendly policies.

15.   Brewer and mining stocks also fell, as investors speculated a recent stock rally has left stocks expensive relative to earnings potential.

16.   CA Electricidad de Caracas is expected to lead gainers as investors speculate the company will soon be granted another rate increase.

17.   Canadian government bonds rose as investors speculated that North American central banks soon will lower interest rates, even as the U.S. budget deadlock remains unresolved.

18.   Chandra also said investors are speculating that FTP may be close to landing a major contract.

19.   Chinese markets often gyrate wildly as traders and investors speculate about company results and central bank announcements, many of which circulate well in advance of their official release.

20.   Colombian stocks rose for an eighth day as investors speculated that domestic brewer Bavaria SA may be the target of a takeover bid.