1.   Among the advancers were gold producers.

2.   Analysts warned that gold producers will be reducing their reserves at year-end to reflect lower prices.

3.   Any combination would be the latest in a flurry of acquisitions as North American major gold producers try to expand by purchasing rivals instead of exploration.

4.   As mines close and gold producers fight for survival, jewelers are quietly optimistic that sales and profits will improve.

5.   Ashanti is the largest gold producer in Africa, outside of South Africa.

6.   Barrick Gold Corp. and other gold producers tempered the decline on lower bullion prices.

7.   Base metals issues, and shares of gold producers weighed the market.

8.   Base metal issues could offset some of the declines of gold producers, as commodity prices rise.

9.   A merger of the three companies will create the biggest Australian gold producer and the fourth largest producer of zinc, copper and lead.

10.   Advancing gold producers tempered the decline.