31.   Some foreign investors applauded this step, but cautioned that it was a stopgap.

32.   Stock investors have applauded the rate cut as an aggressive move.

33.   The merger of Sinclair and River City was applauded by investors, not only because it creates a much larger group of stations.

34.   There are a few high-profile fashion plays that investors can applaud.

35.   While investors applaud any sign that the Fed remains vigilant to the prospect of inflation accelerating, it complicates their investment strategy.

36.   Philip Morris led the Dow Jones industrial average higher Monday as investors applauded its plan to buy the snack food business Nabisco Holdings Corp.

37.   Investors applauded the deal, which streamlined a complicated corporate structure at USA Networks and landed Vivendi a seasoned Hollywood veteran to run its entertainment business.

38.   Investors applauded the deal.

39.   Investors applauded the move, figuring that Rolls-Royce was wise to cut its losses.

40.   On the stock market, investors applauded the weakening of the yen against the dollar by buying export-oriented electronics and automaker shares.