Closing Glance: Apparel cos. close up ahead of rebate checks

NEW YORK—Shares of apparel makers ended mostly higher Friday, as President Bush expressed hope that tax rebates which start going out on Monday will help shore up the economy.

The Bush administration is hoping that people will spend the money on clothes and other items, to help bolster the economy.

Here's how some apparel makers performed:

Jones Apparel Group rose 3 cents to $14.96.

VF Corp. gained $1.86, or 2.5 percent, to $76.43.

Polo Ralph Lauren Corp. added $2.67, or 4.5 percent, to $61.62.

Liz Claiborne Inc. climbed 51 cents, or 3 percent, to $18.