1.   But stocks firmed in Europe.

2.   Stocks firmed at the opening bell Friday but quickly backed off, as bond prices eased in reaction to surprisingly robust U.S. economic data.

3.   Stocks firmed in quiet trading at the opening Wednesday, along with bonds and the dollar and foreign stock markets.

4.   Oil stocks firmed on continued strength in oil prices and US oil company earnings.

5.   Other banking stocks firmed.

6.   Other electricity stocks firmed in sympathy, dealers said, but added that concerns about regulatory issues had trimmed early gains.