NATIONAL/GLOBAL
Bank One's top retail executive says the Internet has forced financial services companies to create brand images fast. Page 4
PNC is telephoning all of its 1.8 million deposit customers in the last stages of a profitability improvement effort. Page 4
COMMUNITY/REGIONAL
If analysts are on target, the state of Florida could be left without any of its three Republic banking companies. Page 7
INVESTMENT PRODUCTS
American Century launched its first tax-managed mutual fund, using a fresh marketing hook-investing for the long term with an eye toward reducing the short-term tax burden. Page 9
MORTGAGES
Twenty-five companies will service 80% of mortgage loans by yearend 2007, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's latest report on consolidation. Page 10
WASHINGTON
Despite slippage in the fourth quarter, thrifts set another earnings record last year, pulling in $7.6 billion, 18% more than in 1997. The Office of Thrift Supervision attributed the record year to low mortgage rates, strong housing sales, a healthy economy, and low unemployment. Page 2
The House will pass legislation overhauling the bankruptcy code next month, a key Republican proponent predicted. Page 3
DIGITAL FRONTIERS
SMART CARDS: Gemplus formed a software division in hopes of accelerating development of smart card systems and programs. Page 11
CARDS
SET, the Secure Electronic Transaction specification for Internet payments, is showing signs of life. Page 12
TECHNOLOGY
In testing scheduled to begin this weekend, the securities industry will attack the year-2000 computer bug en masse. Page 13
MARKETS
Six weeks ago, J.P. Morgan's 10-year bonds were among the worst performers in the industry. But recently investors have been stuffing their portfolios with its paper. Page 22
TCF Financial's push for supermarket branches, which has been a drag on earnings, should help boost the company's profitability, an analyst said. Back page
