81.   Japan, which is in the midst of a stubborn recession, saw its main stock index plummet Friday to its lowest level in more than twelve years.

82.   Jose Ricardo Garcia, vice president of Diversified Securities Inc., said the market was volatile Friday, with the main index fluctuating between positive and negative territories.

83.   Losses in the main index were widened due to selling of some major auto and electronics issues, traders said.

84.   Main indexes in Hong Kong, Manila, Bangkok, Sydney, Taipei and Kuala Lumpur all posted incremental gains, while Singapore, Seoul and Jakarta declined slightly.

85.   Most Philippine shares closed lower, but the main index still rose because of bargain-hunting in market heavyweights.

86.   Most Philippine stocks, meanwhile, ended lower, but the main index still rose because of bargain-hunting in market heavyweights, traders said.

87.   Most Philippine shares ended lower Tuesday, but the main index still rose because of bargain-hunting in market heavyweights, traders said.

88.   On the Tokyo Stock Exchange, share prices on the main index opened slightly higher but soon dropped into negative territory.

89.   Only last-minute buying kept the main index from closing at its low.

90.   Profit-taking in late trading spoiled a strong opening Monday for Philippine stocks, with the main index closing little changed from the previous session.