1.   Although gilts lost gains they were otherwise supported by growing optimism that recent relative gilt weakness will tempt value-conscious European bond investors to switch into British assets.

2.   Amid the mood of growing optimism, though, Rubin cautioned that ninth-inning snags remained over issues critical to both sides.

3.   A cancer immunology specialist at the National Cancer Institute said the results add to the growing optimism about an eventual payoff from immune system therapies.

4.   AIDS researchers now speak with growing optimism of a cure.

5.   But it also shows growing optimism that Latin America will become a major arms market as its economies continue to grow and countries seek to replace outdated equipment.

6.   Chilean stocks rose to their highest level this year amid growing optimism that interest rates are on their way down.

7.   Colombian stocks rose for the seventh time in eight sessions, amid growing optimism about first-quarter earnings, traders said.

8.   Even so, analysts say that there is growing optimism about the prospect of further small-cap gains in the next few months.

9.   For all the growing optimism, officials said the fire and a nearby water-main break meant considerable work remained.

10.   Growing optimism that European monetary union will move ahead on schedule also is weighing on the mark, traders said.