ADVISORY/Top Economist Available for Comment on This Week's Economic Reports from U.S. Commerce, Labor Departments and the Conference Board.

Business Editors

ADVISORY...

--(BUSINESS WIRE)

Who:    Keitaro (Kei) Matsuda, senior economist, Union Bank of
        California, N.A.

What:   Kei is available for immediate comment on the prospect of
        deflation and the misguided comparisons to the Japanese
        economy, as well as GDP numbers, consumer confidence, and
        labor data.

Kei on deflation:

        Despite widespread fears about the prospect of deflation in
        the United States, Union Bank economist Keitaro Matsuda claims
        that it is not a real threat. "Deflation is a symptom, not a
        cause, of a chronically weak economy," he says, "And we are in
        the process of an economic recovery, albeit a slow one."

        Deflation, a situation when prices actually fall, happens only
        when a weak economy causes individuals to curtail the purchase
        of goods and increase saving, eventually leading to a downward
        adjustment of prices. "Americans are not pessimistic," he
        says. "They continue to buy cars and other durable goods,
        which are considered luxury items."

Kei on Japan vs. U.S.

        Economic unease has caused many to compare the United States
        to Japan, an erroneous comparison, according to Matsuda. "We
        are not Japan," he says. "None of the elements that caused
        deflation in that economy are present in the United States."

To schedule an interview, contact:

Victoria Hudson, Golin/Harris
Office: 213-438-8759
Cell: 714-225-9043