IBD'S TOP 10.(A)

Jobless Claims And Layoffs Leap

1First-time claims for jobless benefits shot up 36,000 to 447,000 in the Dec. 29 week, more than expected. Continuing claims in the Dec. 22 week rose 42,000 to 3.715 mil, a sign job hunters are having trouble. And outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas says Dec. job cuts totaled 161,584, down 11% from Nov.'s 181,412 layoffs. But 2001 job cuts totaled almost 2 mil.

Carmakers' Dec. Sales Edge Up

2Interest-free loans boosted auto sales last month, but GM is trying to cut back the cost of those deals with an end of 0% financing and a new menu of rebates. GM's December sales grew 7%, helped by the free loans and strong truck demand. Its car sales fell 18%. Ford's December sales grew 2%, with cars down 25%. Chrysler's sales grew 6%, with cars off 3%. More on this page

Tech Stocks Power A Broad Rally

3J.P. Morgan talked up Intel, which helped maintain momentum from Wednesday's rebound. The Nasdaq surged 3.3% on more than 2 billion shares. The gains were less intense on the S&P 500, up 0.9%, and the Dow industrials, which rose 1%. But NYSE advances beat declines 2-to-1 in heavier volume. The Dow climbed back above its 200-day average. More on B2

Fair Isaac Dives On Sales Worries