IBD'S TOP 10.(A)

Key Factory Gauge Rose In Nov.

1The national purchasing manager's index rose to 44.5 in Nov. from Oct.'s 39.8, a sign the long factory recession may be ending. It was the index's 16th straight month below 50, signifying decline, but much of the post-attack drop was recouped. Also new orders and production gauges rose to near 50. The jobs index came in at 35.7 -- a weak rise from Oct. More on this page

Spending Climbs, Income Stalls

2Personal spending leapt a record 2.9% in Oct. from Sept., boosted by a 26% jump in car sales and a 7% surge in retail sales. But incomes were about flat. Some analysts fear the spending boost will be short-lived, unless incomes climb too. They note Oct.'s rise was funded by tax rebates. Year over year, incomes rose 3.4%, the worst in seven years. Spending rose 5%. More on this page, A2

GM, Ford Sales Up, Chrysler Off

3 Nov. U.S. car and truck sales fell below Oct.'s record, bargain-fueled yearly rate of 21 mil. GM's sales rose 13% vs. a year ago to 357,817 vehicles, minus its foreign brands. Ford's grew 5% to 298,082. Sales at Daimler's Chrysler unit slid 6% to 173,361 units. Toyota's U.S. sales jumped 9.7% and Honda's 11.5%. Ford's cutting 1% of its blue-collar staff and halting 401(k) payments.

Israel Retaliates Against Arafat