51.   The European Union leaders waited Thursday for the return of their peace envoy from Belgrade amid growing optimism that a deal to end the Kosovo conflict could be imminent.

52.   The market has risen dramatically over the past two weeks amid growing optimism the government will act decisively to boost economic growth.

53.   Upbeat comments from Cisco Systems and Oracle fed the growing optimism.

54.   Wheat futures prices rose sharply Friday on the Chicago Board of Trade amid growing optimism about export demand for U.S. grain.

55.   His doctor said Thursday there was growing optimism Brooke would be able to play in South Africa.

56.   And analysts warn that growing optimism must not hinder reforms that the crisis period showed were crucial.

57.   At the same time Syria reversed weeks of growing optimism by accusing Israel of negotiating in bad faith.

58.   Share prices rose sharply on the Tokyo Stock Exchange on Wednesday morning, with domestic investors returning to the market on growing optimism, brokers said.

59.   Share prices extended their rally for the third straight day of trading on the back of growing optimism about near-term prospects for the market, brokers said.

60.   Since the demise of apartheid in South Africa, there was growing optimism of an era of peace and stability in the region, he added.