THE GULF WAR: The Home Front : Market Update

OIL: Crude prices showed surprising strength in light of positive war news. Oil settled at $17.94 per barrel, up 3 cents.

DOW INDUSTRIALS: The 30 industrial average, up more than 30 points in the early going, closed with a 1.49 loss at 2,887.87.

CREDIT MARKETS: Government bond prices closed slightly higher in sluggish trading.

METALS: Gold rose in New York to $359.50 an ounce, up $2.50 from late Friday.

CURRENCY: The dollar was lifted on world markets on renewed hopes for a swift end to the conflict.