1.   Among the investors who had already jumped in before the shares hit bottom are the Hicks, Muse partners themselves.

2.   Analysts suggested that sales in Los Angeles were stronger because the region sank further and hit bottom first, compared to other Southern California counties.

3.   While few are rushing to say that stocks have hit bottom at last, analysts believe the worst of the bear market may be behind us.

4.   The data, however, showed signs that the sales slump may have already hit bottom.