26 DECEMBER 1863, Page 3

Increased firmness has been apparent in the various departments of

the Stock Exchange this week, and an almost general advance has taken place in the quotations. Consols were at their highest point for the week immediately after the announcement of the reduction in the Bank rate, when the price for time bargains was 911 1. In Mexican Stock an improvement of 3 per cent. has taken place. Railway Shares have been firm in price, but the market has not been to say active. The new companies announced are the " Neustadt Charcoal Iron Works," with a capital of 230,0001.; and the "Consolidated Discount," with a capital of one million.