P128 CEEFAX 128 Sat 13 Feb 22:32/13 1/3 WALL STREET Close The market made a moderate gain in a muted response to the news of a smaller US trade deficit. The Dow Jones rose 21.72 to close at 1,983.26. * The US visible trade deficit fell to $12.2bn in December (See page 122) Producer prices rose by 0.4pc last month, after a 0.4pc December fall. Business inventories rose bz 0.8pc in December after a revised 0.9pc rise in November. Long Bond 131 Indices 126P128 CEEFAX 128 Sat 13 Feb 22:21/44 2/3 WORLD STOCKS Close Australia Demand for resources and gold issues outweighed weaker industrials, allowing markets to close firm. Golds were "keenly sought", said one broker. Sons of Gwalia rose 20c to A$5.40 and WMC 13c to 4.18. North BH rose 5c to 2.30 and bid target Peso W 6c to 6.86. Tokyo Speculation that the US December trade figures might show an impro6jmjnt over November was cited bz brokers, as shares closed higher in modest tradin£. Advances led declines five to three in a turnover of 650m shares. "If the figures are really good, this could bj a turnaround," said one broker. Market Indices 126P128 CEEFAX 128 Sat 13 Feb 22:31/19 3/3 WORLD STOCKS Close Honk Kong Continued bargain-hunting was reported, as share prices closed higher in thin trading. Brokers said investors remained cautious ahead of the US trade figures for December. Turnover stayed thin, at HK$489m, and was expected to continue at a low level during the one- and-a half sessions before Wednesday's New Year holiday. HK Telecom, making up 20pc of the Hang Sing Index, roue 30c to HK$7.10; but the warrants leaps 29c to 2.05 and topped the actives list. Frankfurt Shares closed firmer but off their best levels, held back by profit- taking ahead of the US trade figures. Market Indices 126