1.   A similar downgrade Friday forced Yamaichi Securities Co. to three days later announce it would close its doors.

2.   A similar downgrade Friday forced Yamaichi Securities Co. to say three days later it would close its doors.

3.   Merrill Lynch, Bear Stearns, Morgan Stanley and Salomon Brothers have made similar downgrades.

4.   The rating agency Fitch made a similar downgrade last week.