81.   The reports spurred buybacks of banking shares, traders said.

82.   The Topix index for banking shares, which surged close to two percent yesterday, fell as much as one percent in early trading before turning around.

83.   These gains were tempered by declines in banking shares, among the biggest losers.

84.   These gains were tempered by declines in banking shares, the biggest losers.

85.   Traders also said insurers pessimistic about the economy were trying to sell banking shares following a rally sparked by buying by foreign pension funds.

86.   TURKISH stocks fell for a second day, led by banking shares, following a treasury bill sale where yields increased more than expected.

87.   U.K. banking share prices fell after Nationwide Building Society said it would lower its mortgage lending rate, a move that could bring tighter margins and lower profits.

88.   U.S. banking shares got a boost as bond yields fell on the prospect of tame inflation and interest rates.

89.   When the overall market falls, concern about bad-loan write-offs often pushes down heavily weighted banking shares, causing the market to sink further.

90.   With the exception of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya SA and Bankinter SA, banking shares have taken a back seat to utilities in the first half.