REGIONAL
Cincinnati-based Star Banc pledged more than $5 billion of community reinvestment lending in the next five years in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. Page 5
MORTGAGES
Haven Bancorp, a small New York thrift, is said to be close to announcing the purchase of the retail lending subsidiary of Resource Bancshares Mortgage Group. Page 7
COMMUNITY
Small banks can expect most of their farm customers to make less money in 1998 as exports level off and domestic demand for wheat, soybeans, and other commodities declines, according to a Department of Agriculture report. Page 8
CORPORATE FINANCE
Defaults are starting to creep into the junk bond market, after several years of sound performance. Page 9
WASHINGTON
The clinton administration offered to alter a planned interest rate formula that would cut lenders' returns on government-backed student loans. Unveiled by Vice President Gore, the proposal would keep three-month Treasuries as the instrument for setting rates. But banks would still be forced to cut rates to 7%. Page 2
INVESTMENT PRODUCTS
The clearing arm of Fidelity Investments hired the former head of Union Bank of California's broker-dealer unit to spearhead its marketing effort. Page 10
CARDS
Visa U.S.A. said its credit card fraud rate has fallen for the fourth straight year. Page 15
DIGITAL FRONTIERS
ON-LINE BANKING: Intuit has agreed with America Online to expand the Quicken.com financial site into some of cyberspace's choicest real estate. Page 17
MARKETS
BB&T of North Carolina is continuing its expansion into the Washington area by buying Maryland Federal Bancorp for $265.3 million. Back page
Bank stocks rallied as investors shrugged off cautionary remarks by Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan, who suggested that the Fed probably will not cut interest rates. Back page
WEEKLY REPORT: INTERNATIONAL
More than any other foreign city, London is a home away from home for U.S. commercial banks. Page 12
