31.   The gain in bank stocks has also come as resource stocks lose their appeal.

32.   There are some resource stocks that look reasonable value, Taylor said, such as gold stock Normandy as it has forward sold much of its production.

33.   In Australia, shares were marginally higher at midday Tuesday, with resource stocks holding onto early gains while industrials were slightly lower.

34.   In Australia, shares were little changed in early trading Tuesday, with resource stocks posting gains while industrial shares were little changed or lower.

35.   Share prices dropped Monday on European exchanges, with technology, financial and resources stocks leading the way.

36.   Trader said prices on the Sydney Stock Exchange were supported by diversified resource stocks and a surging energy sector.

37.   He said Westfield was the big mover, while softening base metal prices had hit some resource stocks.

38.   However, institutional buying in particular supported a broad market lift, including modest gains in defensive stocks like banks, offsetting losses in resource stocks.

39.   A dealer at a North American brokerage agreed the standout performers were AMP and Macquarie Bank, but also noted support for resource stocks.

40.   A dealer with a European brokerage said apart from profit taking in the major resource stocks there was little clear direction in the market.