Around the World's Markets: New York

A RALLY by the technology sector helped Wall Street hold early gains. By midday, the Nasdaq Composite had gained 34 points, 1.29 per cent, to 2,652, while the Dow Jones was up 44 points, 0.41 per cent, to 10,905.

The most actively traded Nasdaq stocks included Intel, Microsoft, Dell Computer and Summit Technology, which all gained. On the economic front, consumer confidence fell as expected in July, its first dip since October.