Today's News

WASHINGTON

The Fed proposed to let lenders voluntarily collect more personal data on borrowers, including race, religion, and gender. Page 2

The House speaker wants a vote on financial reform by July 4, but others are convinced that privacy is too complex and divisive to make that goal. Page 2

An obscure provision in the Senate's recently passed year-2000 liability bill could destabilize banks and the economy, federal regulators said. Page 3

NATIONAL/GLOBAL

Firstar plans to sell four Iowa branches and $105 million of deposits, according to an application filed with the Federal Reserve. Page 7

COMMUNITY/REGIONAL

The pace of banks converting to S corporations slowed considerably in the first quarter, because most eligible institutions have already switched. Page 11

INVESTMENT PRODUCTS

An asset management firm targeting institutional investors for defined- benefit retirement plans has been formed in Boston. Page 12

MORTGAGES

Countrywide Credit said net earnings for the first quarter were 14% higher than a year earlier and business over the Internet rose sharply. Page 17

CARDS

Eurocheque, a 31-year-old payment service that foreshadowed the debit card and the unified European currency, is falling victim to both. Page 18

MARKETS

Capital One got a boost when Moody's gave its bonds an investment-grade rating. Page 26

Bank shares stumbled again, falling far behind the pace of other stocks amid investors' growing anxiety about higher interest rates. Back page

Delta Financial, which had been accused of predatory lending, reached an agreement with the New York State Attorney General's Office that will cost it about $6 million. Back page