Trading on the Stock Exchange today dwindled but prices ruled firm. Operators were awaiting President Roosevelt's speech scheduled for tomorrow, in which it is anticipated that he will outline the Government's defense plans, economic as well as military. The demand for all metals, notably steel, is expected to mount when the armament programme approaches full swing, and the Chief Executive's speech will. probably inject an immediate stimulus into steel buying. Aircrafts, paper, rubber and airlines resumed their rise; automibiles remained steady; and, mercantiles presented a mixed appearance.
Stocks:—Today's strength was based on rumours of some successes by the Allied armies and anticipation of better news over the week-end. The technical position of the market is strong. "The times Index" of business activity was placed at 95.5, against 94.7 last week and 8.8 for the corresponding period of last year.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.