21.   Higher gas prices and relatively high oil prices should ensure improved earnings for the rest of the year and through next winter, Armstrong said.

22.   Improved earnings in Europe kept the earnings decline from growing wider.

23.   International Business Machines Corp., helped by improved earnings prospects, led the advance.

24.   Investors who want to bet on the improved earnings of banks may be put off by the fact that bank stocks are trading at record levels right now.

25.   Investors are already anticipating improved earnings for shippers.

26.   Lopez, a Spaniard known for aggressive cost-cutting, gets partial credit for improved VW earnings.

27.   Lower rates mean reduced borrowing costs for companies, thus increasing the prospects for improved earnings.

28.   Minnesota stocks, lead by Control Data Systems Inc. and Polaris Industries Inc., rose this week on hopes for improved earnings.

29.   Most times, higher case volume translates into improved earnings.

30.   Minnesota stocks, led by Northwest Airlines Corp. and Medtronic Inc., gained for the sixth straight day on hopes for improved corporate earnings.