1.   ASCEND CONFIRMS DEAL FOR STRATUS Shares of Stratus Computer have increased in the last week amid speculation that it was being acquired by Ascend Communications.

2.   Australian stocks fell for a second day after setting a record high earlier this week amid concern the price of shares may be higher than their earnings justify.

3.   Bank of Melbourne shares have risen the past week amid expectations the bid will be approved.

4.   Bonds and the dollar were little changed, holding gains made earlier in the week amid speculation interest rates will continue to fall across Europe next year.

5.   Bonds fell in recent weeks amid disappointment that President Clinton and Republican leaders of Congress will apparently fail to concur on a plan to erase the deficit.

6.   Bonds have tumbled over the past week amid growing concern that the Fed will soon have to raise rates to prevent the economy from speeding inflation.

7.   Bonds have tumbled over the past week amid growing concern the Fed will soon have to raise rates to prevent the economy from speeding inflation.

8.   Bonds rose this week amid expectations the Bank of Japan will keep interest rates at or near historic lows.

9.   Bonds fell in recent weeks amid concern that President Clinton and Republican leaders of Congress will fail to concur on a plan to close the deficit.

10.   Borrowing costs relative to what the U.S. government pays for its money have tumbled in recent weeks amid strong investor demand for short-dated Eurodollar bonds.