In This Issue:

•Wishing for a Washout: Like a cold front behind a rainstorm, a correction would dramatically increase clarity.
•STARS Status: Changes in S&P analysts' STARS rankings for August 21 through August 25.
•Money Magnets Attract Large Sums for Deals: As giant banks jump into the private-equity business, there are significant investment implications.
•Three Recent Upgrades: S&P analysts think these stocks will outperform over the coming year.
•High Growth Prospects, Low P/E: These five-STARS financial stocks are poised for strong price appreciation, in our view.
•Back-to-School Retail Outlook: We see sales rising 3.5% this season. Here are the trends and likely winners.
•Insulated from Spending Slowdown: Shopping for children and for pets should continue, according to S&P.
•Master List Stocks Update: Our three supervised Master List groups of stocks, recommended as core holdings for long-term investors, are regularly featured on these two pages. The High-Quality Capital Appreciation Portfolio, highlighted this week, consists mainly of large-cap stocks.
•Seeking Income Overseas: Foreign ETFs focused on dividend-paying stocks offer attractive yields.

Some of the Companies Featured:

Abercrombie & Fitch
Allianz
Best Buy
Block (H&R)
Boston Beer
Capital One Financial
Creative Technology
Frontline
Goldman Sachs
Highland Hospitality
KongZhong
M.D.C. Holdings
Medical Properties Trust
Staples
Target
Wal-Mart Stores

S&P Information Products

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The Outlook
Search Engine Survey
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