Economists believe the slide in oil prices is over, at least for the time being, with the new OPEC agreement to slash production.

Gains were limited by an OPEC agreement to extend the organization's current production contract into the first quarter of 1992.

But with an OPEC agreement later, toward the end of the year, prices firmed and many of these companies were helped.

The breakdown of the OPEC agreement to curb production probably means that supplies will be more than plentiful.

"If Kuwait is not brought into the quotas, there will be a real lack of market confidence in any OPEC agreement."

News of the OPEC agreement nudged oil prices up by only 69 cents last week to $20.

"It is the strongest indication the market has received thus far that the latest OPEC agreement may hold up."

"That is quite remarkable compared to previous OPEC agreements."

On July 27 an OPEC agreement raised the target price to $21 a barrel.

In the past, OPEC agreements have often proven easier to arrive at than to enforce.