09/12/2005

More Merger Mania

Hello:

The markets appear to be continuing last week's rally, this time buoyed up by more merger announcements. Oracle has made a bid for Siebel Systems, Wachovia has bid for Westcorp, and eBay has bid for Skype International. The new question is whether the Fed will keep rates unchanged next week, in light of the distressing devastation along the Gulf Coast.

According to the media, donations related to Hurricane Katrina are likely to surpass donations related to 9-11-01 or donations related to the tsunami last December.

Terri G. Millson, CIMC President

Ray Dicius, CSA, GEPC LPL Branch Manager