81.   Japanese phone companies fell following a report that Japan Telecom Co. will merge with International Telecom Japan, traders said.

82.   MCI shares are expected to rise following the report, analysts said.

83.   Meanwhile, lower yields on Treasury bonds following a report of weaker-than-expected durable goods orders in June helped lift rate-sensitive electric utility companies.

84.   NASD separated and strengthened its regulatory and Nasdaq functions in November following a report by a panel headed by former senator Warren Rudman.

85.   Natural gas futures were little changed after falling in early trading following a report of a larger than expected rise in inventories last week.

86.   Moreover, until Citigroup changed its policy following a report in The Times on Monday, the machines did not provide account balances.

87.   Nussbaum resigned in early March following reports of the meeting.

88.   Oil prices fell yesterday following a report of weekly increases in inventories of crude oil, heating oil and gasoline.

89.   Oil futures surged yesterday amid concern that oil supplies could be disrupted following a report that Iraq is massing troops in Kurdish-controlled territory.

90.   Retailers were mixed following a report that showed slower than expected growth in August.