21.   German shares are expected to decline next week as continued turbulence in Asian stock markets looks set to depress U.S. and European equity markets.

22.   German and central European equities represent attractive alternatives to the often volatile U.S. stock market, said Deutsche Morgan Grenfell fund manager Hanspeter Ackermann.

23.   In very general terms, we feel the so-called emerging markets and some European equity markets are more attractive.

24.   It began an aggressive expansion plan last year and is already active in underwriting eastern European equity offerings.

25.   It invests in European equities.

26.   ITALIAN STOCKS Renewed losses in Asian markets undermined European equities, driving Italian stocks lower.

27.   ITALIAN stocks were mixed, in line with other European equities, as gains by bank Credito Italiano SpA offset declines by insurer Assicurazioni Generali SpA.

28.   Kim Barrett will become executive director of European equity sales and Phil Hyde will become director.

29.   Meanwhile, other European equity markets were dragged lower by the weaker dollar, which hurts export earning prospects at European firms.

30.   National Westminster Bank Plc is close to selling its European equities business to Bankers Trust New York Corp., people familiar with the situation said.