Blue-Chip stocks enjoyed a small gain on Wall Street yesterday, but most stocks turned lower after a morning rally as US investors remained sceptical about this week's multinational talks on healing the global economy.

Broader stock indicators finished lower despite a morning rally fuelled by Monday's late rebound, big gains on foreign markets, and what seemed to be an encouraging start to the third quarter reporting period.

President Bill Clinton emphasised the need for concerted action yesterday as he addressed financial officials from 182 nations who are attending the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank.