the ALL program has been run on this file
WASHINGTON
The federal government will propose a new assessment system that experts predicted would lower the fees paid by most thrifts. Page 2
COMMUNITY
Citizens Financial Services of Indiana, which went public last month, used the proceeds to became the first thrift to convert to a stock-owned institution and simultaneously buy another thrift. Page 3
REGIONAL
Having closed more than two dozen acquisitions in four years, Community First Bankshares of Fargo, N.D., is hungry for more. Page 5
MORTGAGES
Increasing demand is putting pressure on home prices, which are rising nationwide. Three southern cities landed in the top five with median home prices that rose more than 14%. "There's still some strong migration to the South," said Fred Flick, vice president of economic research for the National Association of Realtors. "Economies are still developing down there in urban areas." Page 6
CARDS
BankBoston has decided - at least for now - to remain in the credit card business. Page 7
TECHNOLOGY
Banks are spending less on marketing customer information files, known as MCIFs, but that is not stopping Medici Technology. Page 8
Bank technology vendors are feeling the effects of the new millennium a little early. Page 8
CORPORATE FINANCE
Howard Tiffen, manager of Pilgrim America Prime Rate Trust, has always had something to say about the loan market. But these days, he has an audience. Page 18
INVESTMENT PRODUCTS
Massachusetts has cleared a path for banks to reorganize common trust funds as mutual funds, but the state's largest banks say they are in no rush to seize the opportunity. Page 9
MARKETS
Bank stocks may recently have fallen to bargain levels, but don't look for many banks themselves to wade into the market as buyers of their own shares. Back page
Commerce Bancorp of New Jersey said it would buy another state institution, Community First Banking, for $60 million in stock. Back page
