Around the World's Markets: NEW YORK

THE DOW extended its winning streak to seven successive days as cash poured back into stocks on expectations that the Federal Reserve will lower interest rates again soon, perhaps next month.

The Dow ended up 13.91 points at 8,533.14, its best close since 25 August. The index is 8.6 per cent under its July high after gaining 7 per cent since the Fed's surprise rate cut last Thursday. It would have gained an extra 48 points except for sharp falls in three key companies, Chevron Corp, Exxon Corp and Minnesota Mining.