Wall Street stocks posted small gains after see-sawing amid alternating interpretations of Federal Reserve chairman, Mr Alan Greenspan's remarks on inflation and interest rate policy.

The Dow Jones industrial average gained 32.91 points to close at 7,169.53, having recovered from a 42-point deficit after surrendering an early 60-point gain.

The blue-chip barometer ended the week with a gain of nearly 100 points, but below Tuesday's record high of 7,225.32.

Broader stock indicators also registered modest gains.

Stocks opened higher with bonds amid speculation that Mr Greenspan had hinted the central bank would not need to raise interest rates aggressively to protect against inflation.