With
A1:A10 containing one set of symbols
B1:B10 containing another set of symbols, including some matches from the
1st set.

Try this ARRAY FORMULA:

D1:
=INDEX($A$1:$A$10,SMALL(IF(COUNTIF($B$1:$B$10,$A$1 :$A$10),ROW($A$1:$A$10)),ROWS(D$1:D1)))

Copy D1 and paste it into D2 and down as far as you need

Note: For array formulas, hold down [Ctrl] [Shift] when you press [Enter],
instead of just pressing [Enter].

Does that help?
***********
Regards,
Ron

XL2002, WinXP


"Manfred" wrote:

I thought I knew how to perform the following simple function, but I must be
missing something basic.

The problem: I am assembling a spreadsheet consisting simply off 2 columns
of symbols. The two columns may or may not have matching symbols.

The question: Is there a formula what will search through both columns and
list symbols only that appear in both columns? If so, can somebody please
list the steps?

Thank you for any response.