Aggressive-growth stock managers, meanwhile, have shown a new insistence on solid earnings.

The market fortified itself over the summer on reports of solid corporate earnings and expectations of more to come.

You'd think we'd have some solid earnings by now, but not really.

They have had solid earnings, and most companies are raising estimates.

After four years of solid earnings, the bank was in a crisis.

Much of the market's recent run-up was based on expectations that companies would start turning in solid second-quarter earnings.

Analysts said technology stocks powered ahead on speculation the group would turn out more solid earnings.

In one repect, the market should look familiar: only those companies with solid earnings will perform well.

The next question is whether the sales announcements will translate into solid earnings.

Merck, which also reported solid earnings, gained 2 3/16, to 71 15/16.