IBD'S TOP 10.(A)

U.S. Boosts Tsunami Aid Tenfold

1President Bush pledged $350 mil in disaster relief to nations from Indonesia to Somalia ravaged by a quake-spawned tsunami. Bush also said the U.S. would likely increase aid further. Global gov'ts have offered over $500 mil in aid, and U.S. firms and charities have pledged at least $100 mil more. The tsunami caused an estimated $14 bil in damage.

Aid Arrives, Death Toll Mounts

2Ships and planes rushed supplies to tsunami-ravaged nations as rescuers struggled to reach remote areas. The U.N. humanitarian chief said the death toll "may be approaching 150,000." Burials and cremations of victims continued around the clock. But corpses still littered many areas, and millions lack clean water, so health experts warn disease could kill thousands more.

Stocks End Year With Quiet Day

3 The Nasdaq, S&P 500 and small-cap S&P 600 all eased 0.1%. The Dow fell 0.2%. Volume was predictably light. For the year, the S&P 500 rose 9%. The Nasdaq gained 8.6%, the Dow 3.2%. Small caps ruled, as the S&P 600 surged 21.6%. The gains all occurred in 2004's last few months, as election uncertainty, oil prices and rate hike fears subsided. More on this page, B2

U.S. Redefines Torture Policy