U.S. Technology Stocks Rally on Profits; Ciena, Novell Shares Lead Advance

(Bloomberg) -- Technology shares rallied on better-
than-expected earnings, helping the U.S. stock market complete
its best May since 2003 and sending the Standard & Poor's 500
Index to a second straight record.

Ciena Corp. and Novell Inc. led the advance after first-
quarter earnings topped some analysts' forecasts. A.G. Edwards
Inc. rose the most in two decades after Wachovia Corp. said it
will buy the company for about $6.8 billion, the biggest
acquisition of a U.S. brokerage firm in almost seven years.


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U.S. Stocks Rise on Takeovers; A.G. Edwards, Ceridian Shares Lead Advance

(Bloomberg) -- U.S. stocks extended their record-
breaking rally after A.G. Edwards Inc. and Ceridian Corp. agreed
to be acquired, adding to this year's unprecedented pace of
takeovers.

A.G. Edwards rose to an all-time high after Wachovia Corp.
agreed to buy the company for about $6.84 billion in cash and
stock in the biggest acquisition of a U.S. brokerage firm in
almost seven years. Ceridian advanced to a six-year peak after
Thomas H. Lee Partners LP and Fidelity National Financial Inc.
purchased the provider of payroll and human resources services
for $5.3 billion.


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