21.   Stock mutual funds posted record inflows last year, even as the major stock averages took a sharp spill.

22.   STOCKS END WITH MODERATE GAINS After meandering through much of the day, stocks closed mostly higher, lifting major averages back into plus territory for the year.

23.   That sent all the major stock averages plunging until a late buying rally trimmed the losses.

24.   The major averages then retraced much of the lost ground.

25.   Those reports helped sink the major stock averages, although the second suicide bombing in Israel in as many days also depressed investors.

26.   U.S. stocks rallied, sending all major averages to records, as investors wagered that faster economic growth will bolster corporate profits.

27.   Two major stock averages broke into new territory last year that most analysts had not anticipated would be entered for another year or so.

28.   -- The major averages slumped again as investors concerned about third-quarter results punished the shares of poor performers.

29.   Buyers once again have come to the rescue, sending the major stock averages higher at the close for the third straight session.

30.   While major averages spent much of the day in record territory, the market pulled back somewhat near the close.