Today's News

NATIONAL/GLOBAL

Loans to blue-chip companies have become tough for syndicators to sell. Banks are wondering whether the low-return business is really worthwhile. Page 4

Europe's new currency is running into difficulty with small companies and banks. Page 6

COMMUNITY/REGIONAL

A Philadelphia community bank plans to use the Internet to let customers set their own rates on short-term certificates of deposit. Page 7

A banking company in Bismarck, N.D., is eyeing new Midwestern markets as part of a plan to double its assets in five years and bury a lending scandal. Page 8

MORTGAGES

Fannie Mae took aim at predatory lending practices that target low- income and minority families in the subprime market. Page 10

Conseco's chief said he is so sure his company's stock is undervalued that he would take his bonus for the rest of 1999 in stock valued at $50 a share or market value, whichever is higher. Page 11

WASHINGTON

The Ranking Democrat on House Banking is building bridges on financial reform. Rep. John LaFalce acknowledges that some Democrats would rather have delayed action in hopes of retaking the House in 2000, but says, "When you have good legislation, you pass it. You don't put it off." Page 3

INVESTMENT PRODUCTS

brokers who work out of banks, thrifts, and credit unions took home healthy pay increases last year, a survey found. Page 12

CARDS

Competition is heating up among frequent-flier cards as banks that have exclusive deals with airlines are facing challenges from generic plans. Page 14

TECHNOLOGY

U.S. Bankers may be able to strike emerging markets as an area of year- 2000 concern. Banks in those countries do not rely much on technology. Page 15

DIGITAL FRONTIERS

ON-LINE BANKING: Xerox is offering to help businesses send bills over the Internet. Page 16

MARKETS

Republic New York shares are surging as Wall Street takes note of its restructuring. Back page

AT&T's bid for MediaOne got a lift as bankers lined up a syndicate for a $30 billion loan. The block-buster loan was oversubscribed by 40% with two days to spare. Back page