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WASHINGTON

The banking lobby will remember 1998 as the year of lost opportunities for any significant pro-bank legislation. Page 4

MORTGAGES

The Tampa area ranks first in the nation in housing affordability, but not because of local mortgage rates. Page 10

SPECIAL REPORT

Low rates and a building boom are pushing originations to a record - and increasing the biggest servicers' market share. Also included: a review of James A. Johnson's tenure at Fannie Mae, a look at Countrywide's 10-year plan, and first-half data on the 100 biggest lenders and servicers. Pullout section

CARDS

With the United States seemingly saturated with credit cards, marketers are turning more and more to untapped opportunities in Hispanic communities. Page 12

INVESTMENT PRODUCTS

Amid the turmoil in equity markets, bond funds could be poised for a comeback as investors are forcibly reminded of the virtues of diversification. Page 14

TECHNOLOGY

Cost-cutting moves boosted third-quarter earnings at Diebold and NCR Corp., two major providers of automated teller machines and other banking equipment. Page 17

COMMUNITY

Encouraged by a change in the Office of Thrift Supervision's stock buyback policy, a Florida thrift company is planning to repurchase 15% of its outstanding shares. Page 19

CORPORATE FINANCE

The Fed's most recent interest rate cuts are not expected to have much impact on the moribund high-yield bond market. Page 23

MARKET MONITOR

Consumer spending is clearly on the wane, and the slowdown suggests to some economists that a downturn in overall business conditions is near. Page 33

BankAmerica faces at least one shareholder lawsuit for declining to warn shareholders of looming losses at D.E. Shaw & Co., and more are expected. Back page

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