1.   An unexpected drop in U.S. producer prices in December failed to temper declines even as it bolstered optimism that U.S. interest rates will fall.

2.   Bank issues like Royal Bank of Canada may temper declines on anticipation of record earnings.

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

4.   Barrick Gold Corp., Placer Dome Inc. and Euro-Nevada Mining Corp. may temper market declines amid higher bullion prices.

5.   Bellwether issues like Seagram Co. tempered the decline.

6.   A Canadian report showing prices paid by manufacturers fell last month helped temper declines, traders said.

7.   A rebound in computer-related shares helped temper the decline.

8.   A rally in technology issues tempered the decline.

9.   A report that labor costs in the U.S. remain under control tempered the decline in Canadian and U.S. bond prices, traders said.

10.   A stronger Canadian dollar helped temper declines, traders said.