Improved New York, Feb. 8.
The improved European situation snd excellent domestic business news today lifted prices on the New York Stock -Exehange from fractions of a point to more than a point in a quiet session.
The strength of motors, steels -and select aviations featured the session.
Utilities recovered part of yesterday's losses. Inquiries regarding utilities. remained relatively but interest in other sections showed a decided upswing.
General Motors January sales gained 62 per cent, stimulating the purchase of motor stocks. Heavy railroad order aided steels. Merchandisbigs' were aided by the fact that Montgomery Ward ary sales and fiscal busi record reached new highs, Glenn Martin, Douglas and United aircraft gained more than a point. alied Chemical and Eastman gained more than two points.
Many traders believe that motors wil be among the leaders in an s@rly, spring market. rise. Wall Street heard today that First National Stores fiscal sales ending March 31 ay reach a record high.
About the only bad news the street was able to conjure today was fear regarding the final settlement of the Spanish civil var. Some believe the Spanish situation is the only factor retarding the market. Others, howwer, believe that some really out-tending favourable development must accus before the public enters the market.
Favourable market factors today cluded:
1. General Motors gain of 62 per cent in sales in January compared with the corresponding month of last year. j The Italo-Soviet trade "agreement ached yesterda:
3. The more confident view being ken of the foreign situation.
Unfavourable factors included these:
1. Inclement weather.
2 Retarded carloadings.
S. Poor petroleum statistics.
4. Steel demand is tapering off except for railroad orders.
5. The decline in electricity consumption—United Press.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.