In this Issue: · Better Times Ahead? - Despite higher short-term interest rates, we think conditions are favorable for stocks in the coming months. · In the Limelight · STARS Status- Changes in S&P analysts' STARS rankings for September 19 through September 30. · Our Take on the Dow Components- The 30 large-cap stocks in the Dow Jones Industrial Average are among the leading names in American business. Here's what our analysts think of each member of the Dow. · Regional Banks Adjust to Rising Rates- The stocks of regional banks have trailed the market since early 2004, but we think some of them are poised for above-average returns. · 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. Group 3, highlighted this week, consists of small- and mid-cap stocks. · Neural Fair Value 25 Portfolio- This portfolio of 25 stocks seen as undervalued is expected to significantly outperform the S&P 500. Some of the Companies Featured: Abercrobie & Fitch Allied Capital American International Group Applebee's International Baxter International Big Lots Chico's Choice Hotels Corn Products International CSG Systems Foot Locker Genentech Inc. Herman Miller Home Depot Informatica Corp Ingram Micro Jabil Circuit Lilly Lowe's Cos Public Storage Ross Stores Scientific Atlanta Shurgard Storage Tansocean Walgreen Washington Mutual Willis Group Holdings |