41.   Semiconductors, which provide the processing power for computers, also rallied amid expectations that sales can grow swiftly.

42.   Shares in insurance companies that are not affiliated with large business groups rallied amid expectations about mergers and acquisitions among themselves or by larger companies, traders said.

43.   Shares in some construction companies rallied amid optimism the property market may recover after a six-year recession.

44.   Shares of Isomedix Inc. rallied amid expectations that demand for its medical equipment sterilization services will increase.

45.   Shares of Japanese brokerages rallied amid optimism a burst of stock trading will shore up profits.

46.   Separately, shares in forestry companies rallied amid optimism that expansion plans will ensure a steady increase in profits into the next decade, Eckel said.

47.   Shares in forestry companies rallied amid optimism that wood pulp prices have hit bottom and are set to rally later this year.

48.   Shares of brokerages rallied amid speculation that banks will pony up large sums for brokerages and investment banks after Bankers Trust New York Corp. said it would acquire Alex.

49.   Shares of drug companies fell a day after rallying amid speculation that Pfizer Inc. could be the target of a takeover by Glaxo Wellcome Plc.

50.   Soybeans rallied amid expectations for rising U.S. and world consumption of processed products, particularly soybean meal, a livestock feed.