The Journal Times from Racine, Wisconsin • 8

rr Vfcrft us at wwwjournaltimes.combusiness pap jcr Bene THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2002 THE JOURNAL TIMES PAGE 8A TJWournal Times Cruise line bookings strong despite virus Yesterday Pvs Day Market In Review lljLgf I Yesterday Pvs Day Australia 1.7851 1.7902 Britain 1.5697 U84 Canada 1.5600 1.5560 Euro .9997 1.0043 Japan 124,65 124 61 Mexico 10.2775 10.1775 Switzerland 1.4721 1.4780 BY ALEX VEIGA AP Business Writer Prime Rate 425 4.25 DiscountRate 075 0.75 Federal Funds Rate 1.25 1.3125 Treasuries 3-month V20 1.21 6-month T26 1 28 5-vear 3 32 10-year 4J6 4 26 30-vear 500 5.11 Futures i i British pound expressed in U.S. dollars. Ail others show dollar in foreign currency. Exch Contract Settle Chg Lt Sweet Crude NYMX Jan 03 Corn Mar03 26.71 239'A 361 CBOT WST Mar 03 Wheat Soybeans CBOT Jan 03 566V4 CME Feb 03 79.32 Cattle TPS" .77 .30 Pork Bellies CME Feb 03 84.80 NYBT Mar 03 7.62 Sugar (worldj" Orange Juice NYBT Jan 03 98.65 MILWAUKEE (AP) Wednesday's Milwaukee Stockyards report: Cows: no-roll cows 37-41 high-yielding cutters and utility 31-36: canners and cutters up to 30. Holstein steers: high choice to prime pounds 57-60: heavyweight choice Holstein steers 53-57: choice Holstein steers 50-55: select steers up to 50.

Beef cattle: choice steers 1.200-1.450 pounds 64-66: choice heifers 62-64: select steers 60-64: select heifers 57-62. Bulls: premium bulls pounds 42-44: common to good bulls 37-41 heavyweight bulls up to 37. Replacement calves: feeder bull calves 90-105 pounds 40-95: feeder bull calves 110-140 pounds 40-95: heifer calves up to 300. Slaughter calves: choice veal 30-40: boning calves up to 20. Sheep add lambs: choice to prime 60-74: good to choice 50-60: cull and lightweight 40-50: ewes and bucks up to 30.

Thursday's estimated receipts: 550 cattle, 175 calves and 10 lambs. Spot Yesterday Pvs Day $316.80 $322.20 Gold (troy oz spot) $4,559 Silver (troy oz spot) $0.7495 Copper (pound) also contacted travel agents to brief them on what to tell would-be travelers. "It's really been about educating and arming travel agents with the information they need to pass along to their customers," said Rose Abello, spokeswoman for Holland America. Travel agents said they have fielded questions from people booked far in advance on cruises, but have not seen many customers back out. And cruise industry analysts said it is too early to tell whether the streak of stomach virus outbreaks aboard Carnival, Holland America and Disney cruise ships will harm bookings over the next few months.

Jeanne T. Van Houten, owner of Isings Travel in Boca Raton, said she had one party booked for a cruise on the Amsterdam who canceled. "Our passengers are still cruising," Van Houten said. "Some of our passengers whd are experienced cruisers do understand the real facts. Some of it has been totally overblown." "We've had no cancellations.

I cannot say that there's been a notable decline in bookings," said David Gedansky, co-owner of Carlson Wagonlit Travel in Aven-tura. Gedansky said December is typically a slow month, with cruisegoers traditionally making reservations for next summer beginning in January. "I can't say I'm concerned at this point," he said. Passengers were sunbathing, splashing in the pool and jamming buffets as usual aboard the Fascination on Wednesday. All the while, crews continued to clean the ship.

One passenger and four crew members reported gastrointestinal symptoms on NMER New York Mercantile Exchange. CBOT Chicago Board of Trade. CMER Chicago Mercantile Exchange. NCSE New York Cotton, Sugar Cocoa Exchange. NCTN New York Cotton Exchange.

MIAMI Emily Strauss had heard all about the hundreds of cruise ship passengers who ended up spending their dream vacations in their cabins because of diarrhea and nausea. But she had waited 50 years, to go on a cruise, and a stomach virus wasn't going to sink her plans. "I'm not at all worried. I packed a hand gel cleaner," Strauss said Sunday before boarding the Holland America Line's Amsterdam, one of several ships on which passengers developed flu-like illnesses in recent months. More than 1,000 passengers have been stricken by the highly contagious outbreaks.

But so far, the outbreaks have not produced a wave of cancellations or a big drop-off in bookings. Rather than miss out on their long-planned vacations, many passengers have decided to sail, but with a few precautions. Some are washing their hands frequently or using anti-bacterial lotion. Others are taking a pass at the self-serve buffets. One traveler even brought his own food, water and a pillow.

The industry, which is still recovering from a slump attributed to the weak economy and Sept. 11, has been aggressive in trying to reassure the public. The cruise lines have been quick to note that they have been taking ships out of service and scrubbing them from stem to stern. Carnival Cruises and Holland America, both owned by Miami-based Carnival gave passengers letters with details of the Norwalk-like virus blamed for most of the illnesses. Holland America IT EZ illllSHIiiS 10,000 9,000 8,000 Dec.

4, 2002 Dow Jones industrials 8,737.85 7,000 ALAN DIAZ Associated Press Workers hose the walls and windows of the cruise ship Fascination early Wednesday as the ship heads to Cozumel, Mexico, during a three-day cruise. the Fascination, said Jennifer de la Cruz, a Carnival spokeswoman. She said 45 cabin reservations out of 1,026 were canceled. Two people canceled before the Amsterdam, set out on its current 10-day cruise, and there no reports as of Wednesday of anyone getting sick, Holland America said. NOV DEC SEP OCT High Low 8,811.62 8,653.38 Pet.

change from previous: Record high: 11,722.98 Jan. 14,2000 1,600 yV 1,400 vvp 1.200 Dec 4, 2002 Nasdaq composite 1,430.35 1,000 NOV DEC In Brief SEP OCT High Low 1,444.18 1,412.92 Pet. change from previous Record high: 5.048.62 March 10, 2000 1.28 1,000 900 800 700 Dec. 4, 2002 Standard Poor's 500 917.57 Pet. change from previous NOV DEC SEP High 925.25 OCT Low 909.51 Record high: 1,527.46 March 24, 2000 dropped 59 percent, to $2.5 million.

For the year to date, total construction contracts are 4 percent behind the 2001 pace, residential building is 5 percent greater, and nonresidential 1 7 percent less. WHITEWATER Accelerated Genetics meeting Tuesday Accelerated Genetics will have its 2002 county division meeting for members including Racine, Kenosha and Walworth counties at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at Randy's. The meeting will include a noon meal, a year-end financial report and election of county delegates. From Journal Times staff reports ernment employees, college students and their families.

For more information, call (262) 886-5900 or go to www.ecu.com. RACINE COUNTY Future construction contracts decline October contracts for future construction here declined by 21 percent compared with the 2001 level, according to McGraw-Hill Construction, which monitors construction activity. Building contracts totaled $14.1 million in October and $17.7 million one year earlier. Residential construction rose 1 percent to $11.5 million, arid nonresidential RACINE Educators Credit Union opening new branch Educators Credit Union will open a new branch at 3525 Rapids Drive on Dec. 13.

The new branch will feature some of the latest in communication and computer technology including a fee-free automated teller machine and teller kiosks. Lobby hours will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Friday and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday. Drive-up hours will be 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m.

to 7 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Educators now has 13 offices in Southeastern Wisconsin providing financial services to educational, health care and gov AP Stocks fall on Disney, H-P warnings BY HOPE YEN AP Business Writer" Take advantage of year-end tax benefits now MIKE HAUBRICH I 1 1-year 1-year Name Last Chg PE low high AMXCp 2.89 7 1.05 3.50 AbtLab 42.25 .1 24 29.80 58.00 AdvLight .38 .10 2.12 Ametek 37.76 17 26.15 40.71 AsdBnc 33.19 .0 12 27.01 38.45 BankOne 38.58 15 31.60 42.88 BombdrA 5.76 .0 CNHGIbl 3.47 2.75 6.48 DaimlrC 34.79 1.0 25.81 50.88 EmrsnEI 52.08 21 41.74 66.09 Fiserv 34.38 .2 27 22.50 47.24 FrshBrnds 13.46 .1 9 13.29' 21.99 JohnsnOut 10.15 .1 3 6.75 20.20 LeeEnt 34.00 .1 18 28.90 40.09 Marcus 14.14 20 11.90 17.98 Marshllss 28.00 .3 15 23.11 32.12 Modine 18.93 .6 27 15.65 30.00 SBC Com 26.45 18 19.57 40.99 SnapOn 28.72 30 20.71 35.15 TCFFn 41.68 14 35.10 54.60 Textron 42.14 .1 12 32.20 53.60 TwinDs 12.86 .1 11.90 16.95 USBancrp 21.49 .1 13 16.05 24.50 WPS Res 36.65 11 30.47 42.68 WellsFrgo 46.45 .6 16 38.10 53.44 WiscEn 23.28 21 20.17 26.48 STOCKS NOTES: In the flurry of activity that comes with the pending holiday season, it's important to remember that soon the year will end and, with it, tax-saving opportunities.

Amid gift-buying and visits with family and friends, a wise investor should be sure to take advantage of tax benefits, which could help next April 15 feel more like a holiday. This protracted bear market has given investors a lot of paper losses. Now is the time to decide if those unrealized losses should be converted into realized losses and have Uncle Sam absorb some of the pain. Realizing losses in other investments you may be holding can offset taxable out your basement. That unused furniture and clothing can be tax saving opportunities.

Gifts of appreciated property such as real estate or securities leverage the tax benefits of donating. Be sure that the organizations to which you are donating are tax-exempt and that you secure receipts for donations, particularly those over $250. 'Tis indeed the season to be jolly. The market is finally making a show at recovery, the holidays are fast approaching, and now is the time to ensure that April 15 doesn't bring with it any extra or unplanned tax burden. Michael Haubrich is president of Financial Service Group, a registered investment advisory firm in Racine.

On the Net: www.toyourwealth.com WL. 7b Your Wealth Bombardier listing is in Canadian dollars. Boldfaced stocks are those that: 1. Changed in price by at least 5 percent. 2.

Were at least at $5 for their last price. Productivity Here is a look at non-farm business productivity, percent change from previous quarter. Seasonally adjusted 'TIS THE SEASON TO GIVE A ROLEX. There's nothing like the gift of an elegant Rolex timepiece to tell that special someone how you feel. And no matter which style of Rolex you choose, you'll be giving a gift of lasting quality, beauty and desirability.

When you make your Christmas list this year, check it twice. And see who's nice enough to deserve a Rolex! NEW YORK Profit warnings from Disney and Hewlett-Packard pressured Wall Street on Wednesday, sending stocks lower in choppy trading as nervous investors weighed a downbeat outlook against hopes for a year-end rally. The Dow Jones industrials fell as much as 89 points before recovering most of that drop. Analysts said the late-day gains were heartening since many were expecting bigger declines following the Dow's eight-week winning streak. "We had two or three jolts here that could have resulted in more profit-taking than we had," said Bill Barker, investment strategy consultant at RBC Dain Rauscher.

"It's obvious that market sentiment has changed in the last few months, and investors are more positive about outlook for 2003." The Dow slipped 5.08, or 0.1 percent, to close at 8,737.85, having fallen 188 points in the previous three days. The broader market also finished lower. The Nasdaq composite index fell 18.61, or 1.3 percent, to 1,430.35. The Standard Poor's 500 index declined 3.18, or 0.3 percent, to 917.57. Disney fell 86 cents to $17.68 after the entertainment company lowered its fourth-quarter earnings figure, citing weak ticket sales for its latest animated film, "Treasure Planet." Hewlett-Packard dropped 86 cents to $18.37 after the computer maker said 2003 revenue should rise 2 percent to 4 percent from 2000, lower than its previous forecast.

Investors largely shrugged off two encouraging economic reports Wednesday. The Labor Department reported that productivity grew at an annual rate of 5.1 percent in the third quarter, faster than the government's previous estimate of 4 percent. Analysts were expecting smaller growth of 4.5 percent. And the Commerce Department said orders to U.S. factories rose 1.5 percent in October, the first gain in three months, offering hope for the nation's manufacturers who are trying to shake off a late-summer slump.

Federated Department Stores fell 73 cents to $31.25 after the retailer said November sales at stores open at least a year fell 7.4 percent. Gainers included Tenet Healthcare, which rose 91 cents to $18.75, after the hospital chain cut its earnings outlook 10 ROLEX ii distributions you may have or will receive from mutual funds this year. Beware, however; year-end tax selling can be tricky business. Be sure you know what you are doing or consult your financial adviser before you start selling anything. The first step is to identify what will happen if you do nothing through the end of the year.

Contact your broker to get a year-to-date realized gains and loss report, including projected mutual fund distributions that will be made before the end of the year. Don't forget that transfers from one mutual fund to another are considered sales. This is true even if the same investment company holds both funds and doesn't charge for fund transfers. Also get a report of your unrealized gains and losses on the securities you own. Current law allows you to take a net loss of up to $3,000 for the year.

Any amount above that limit can be taken as a loss in future years. Discussions are under way in Washington to raise this annual limit to $8,000 or more, and it is possible that a higher limit could be available this year. If you have a gain projected for the year, look for stocks or funds that have dropped in price below your cost basis. Selling those securities will give you losses you can use to offset gains from other investments. However, this close to the end of the year, beware of the "wash sale" rule, which basically says that if you sell a security at a loss and then buy the same investment within 30 days, you don't get to realize the original loss on your taxes.

If you wish to keep a particular stock for the long term, selling and waiting the 30 days to repurchase it is not advisable, especially when there is extreme market volatility as we have recently experienced. The price may increase by an amount that exceeds the tax loss advantage. An alternative approach is to buy a similar stock or security to the one you are selling. This is less risky than betting that the stock price will not move against you while the wash sale rule applies. Check with your advisor for appropriate substitutes.

This brief review does not cover some significant issues pertaining to tax selling strategies. Since there are various options and various risks, it is advisable to seek professional help whenever you make changes that affect your taxes and investments. Another year-end tax advantage strategy is to contribute to the season's spirit of giving. Giving cash to your favorite charity is great, but donations of non-cash items are also deductible up to their market value. Clean 8 2 IV I II III IV I II III 2000 2001 2002 AP SOURCE: U.S.

Bureau of Labor Statisitcs VENTURA Fine Jewelers Highway 50 Kenosha, Wisconsin S62-B97-OBB4 Holiday Hours; Monday Friday 9:30 a.m. 8:00 p.m. Saturday 9:30 a m. 5:30 Sunday Noon 5.00 p.m. for the next two years, citing concerns about its aggressive pricing strategy.

Declining issues outnumbered advancers 7 to 6 on the New York Stock Exchange. Consolidated volume was light at 1.98 billion shares, but higher than the 1.88 billion traded Tuesday. Shown: Rok Man'a Dy Dm officially Canlliad Swim Chronomalar. Rotox. W.

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