CHARLOTTE, N.C. AP-Shares of insurance companies surged Friday – extending a rally that began Thursday – as investors were heartened by a temporary ban on short selling and the federal government’s plans to help rescue banks burdened by souring mortgage debt.

Some of the sector’s biggest gainers included Genworth Financial Inc., which jumped $2.76, or 30.2 percent, to $11.91 in afternoon trading, and American International Group Inc., which advanced 49 cents, or 18.2 percent, to $3.18.