61.   Massachusetts stocks rose for a sixth day as shares of Shiva Corp. gained amid expectations that earnings will rise at the maker of computer networking equipment.

62.   Maryland stocks rose for a second day, as shares of Marriott International Inc. gained amid expectations for higher sales and earnings at the hotel management company.

63.   More positively in the U.S., gaming companies gained amid speculation of impending mergers.

64.   Mortgage lenders gained amid optimism that lower rates make buying a new, or larger, homes more affordable.

65.   Most European bond markets gained amid optimism interest rates will be cut further, with the Bank of France expected trim its rates as early as this week.

66.   More positively in the U.S., gaming companies may gain amid speculation of impending mergers.

67.   New York area stocks rose, as shares of Union Carbide Corp. gained amid optimism that cyclical companies will benefit if the Federal Reserve cuts interest rates tomorrow.

68.   New Zealand bonds gained amid expectations the pace of economic growth is slowing enough to allow interest rates to decline.

69.   Nordstrom gained amid speculation that the stronger economy will mean stronger sales at retailers.

70.   Oil gained amid warnings of a military strike against Iraq, which would disrupt supplies from the oil-rich Persian Gulf.