I use Excel's Web Query (found on the Data, Import External Data menu) to
pull stock and option quotes into an excell spreadsheet. I've put the query
in a vb macro which allows me to pull data for a list of stocks.

After editting the data into the columns I need, I save the file using the
ActiveWorkbook.Save command before retrieving the next set of data.

Performance appears to be fine during the web query, data parsing and
editting, but when I try to save the file it seems take longer and longer
after each save.

I have several excell files which perform this type of function. Most are
working fine with no problems with over 600 records per batch run. But this
file just grinds to a halt after 50 or so records have been written.