Stocks Up Slightly; Investors Awaiting New Developments
NEW YORK, Nov. 7 (UPI)ÛÓThe stock market eked out a small gain today in moderate trading on the New York Stock Exchange, where investors remained on the side- ÐÊÛ_ lines waiting for new developments.</br></br>The Dow Jones industrial average, off more than three points at the outset, gained .2.81 to 671.93. It had;, been ahead around six points during the session. The closely-watched blue-chip . indicator lost more than five points-in late profit-taking Wednesday.	.</br></br>Standard.- & PoorÛªs - 500-stock index gained 0.46 td 75.21. The NYSE index rose 0.28 to 39.74. Advances topped.. declines, 850 to 543, among the 1,786 issues crossing'the tape.</br></br>Analysts said investors continued to be encouraged . by recent declines in interest rates. Many major banks have lowered the prime lending rate they charge creditworthy corporate customers-to 10% or 11 per cent.</br></br>Many investors were hopeful the rate would decline further. First National City Bank of New York, second largest in the nation and a trendsetter, was scheduled to make its weekly rate figures available Friday morning. CitibankÛªs present rate is 10% per cent.