31.   Kleinwort Benson Securities Co. recently recommended its clients buy Posco stock amid brighter earnings outlook.

32.   Massachusetts stocks rose, as Brooktrout Technology Inc. shares gained after Advest Group raised its recommendation for the stock amid strong fourth-quarter earnings and a planned acquisition.

33.   Lower oil prices hurt oil and gas stocks amid expectations warmer weather in February and March in the northeast U.S. and Canada may reduce demand.

34.   Meanwhile, Purcell advised investors to reduce their holdings of Brazilian and Chilean stocks amid concern that inflation and interest rates are rising in both countries.

35.   Michigan stocks fell for the third straight day, led lower by real estate and service company stocks amid concern U.S. economic growth may be about to slow.

36.   Meanwhile, traders said they are watching stocks amid concern that a sharp drop could lead the government to take more action to spur the economy.

37.   Peru stocks rose a second day as investors bought mining stocks amid higher prices for zinc and cooper.

38.   Plunging Asian currencies and soaring interest rates contaminated stocks amid concern economies and profits in the region would founder.

39.   Peruvian stocks were little changed as an increase in utility Edegel SA was offset by falling food, beverage and retail stocks amid forecasts of lower consumer spending.

40.   Shareholders have been selling stock amid fears that a widening federal probe of the hospital and home-care chain would blunt its expansion.