The prices of Treasury notes, meanwhile, firmed slightly.

Old-car prices have firmed a bit since "the bottom fell out" in 1992 and '93, Mr. Brownell said.

The new three-year notes were sold as prices firmed in the secondary market for Treasury notes and bonds.

Helped by the interest rate increases, prices of government bonds, or gilts, firmed.

And industrial prices are firming a bit.

The area's retailers noted a drop in sales, while realtors said sales were picking up and prices were firming.

But the prices of shorter-term notes firmed slightly.

Then in the afternoon prices firmed and nudged back into positive territory.

As it turns out, a survey of purchasing managers released two weeks ago had already signaled that prices for raw materials, parts and supplies were firming.

Meanwhile, prices of widely quoted municipal bonds firmed by about1/8 point.