SECURITIES

Amex Plans 2-for-1 Split of Index: The American Stock Exchange said it will split 2 for 1 the value of its flagship major market index in a move to make options on the index more affordable to investors. The split will take effect pending Securities and Exchange Commission approval. It will bring the index value down from its current level in the 600-point range to the 300-point range, creating a reduced underlying value for options contracts and a consequent reduction in the cost of the options.