71.   Signs the economy is picking up steam could weigh on bonds as an improving economic outlook could boost corporate earnings expectations and threaten to lure investors to equities.

72.   Soifer said he may lower his earnings expectations for Citicorp as a result of the acquisition.

73.   Still, with share prices at record levels, analysts said investors are selective and looking for companies that have met or exceeded earnings expectations.

74.   Stocks followed suit, even though the weaker-than-expected retail sales calls into question earnings expectations for many U.S. companies.

75.   Steel and construction companies fell as prospects of a slowdown in economic growth caused investors to reassess earnings expectations.

76.   Still, ith share prices at record levels, analysts said investors are being selective and looking for companies that have met or exceeded earnings expectations.

77.   Still, several company watchers added in the gain as part of their earnings expectations.

78.   Strong sales of other software products, however, should help Microsoft meet earnings expectations, analysts said.

79.   Stock investors, though, become nervous when interest rates edge higher because it forces them to reassess earnings expectations and to lower their share-price estimates.

80.   Texas stocks climbed to a record high as CompUSA Inc., Interphase Corp. and Rexene Computer Services Inc. rose on higher earnings expectations.