1.   Better-than-forecast earnings from some of the biggest U.S. companies cushioned the decline.

2.   Gains by companies that are positioned to weather the currency problems helped cushion the decline in banks.

3.   Gains by smaller companies with swifter earnings growth than most of the companies in the benchmark index helped cushion the decline.

4.   HSBC, Cathay and Wharf Holdings Ltd. cushioned the declines.

5.   San Miguel Corp., the largest food and beverage manufacturer, helped cushion the decline amid expectations that a recovery in food production this year could boost profit.

6.   Shares in San Miguel rallied today on the Philippine Stock Exchange amid expectations fourth-quarter earnings will cushion the declines from the first part of the year.

7.   SM Prime, the leading developer and operator of shopping malls, led the rise in consumer-related stocks and helped cushion the decline.

8.   The financial boom has more than cushioned the decline of traditional industries like steel and agriculture.

9.   When junk bonds fall, their decline is usually cushioned by hefty coupon payments.