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The article focuses on the thriving U.S. book market as of October 1978. Topics explored include the significant increase in the number of bookstores in the country, the rise in consumer spending on books, and the growth of book publishing revenues. Also addressed are the results of a University of Texas study which investigated the reading ability of the U.S. population, the link between high book prices and rise in book sales, and the effective book-selling strategies of some bookstores.

The article reviews the exhibition of promotional memorabilia at a major antique show in Gaithersburg, Maryland featuring 1934 edition of Coca-Cola serving trays, a 12-inch coffee tin purveyed by C.D. Kenny, and peanut butter and talcum powder containers from Squibb and Colgate, among others.

The article discusses the pension funds management business of investment banking institution Morgan Guaranty Trust Co. as of April 16, 1979. The author focuses on the company's senior vice president Carl E. Hathaway, the effect of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) on business, and competition from banks. Further discussed are banks' reorganization aimed at improving pension fund management performance, including personnel, portfolio strategy, and stock market analysis.

The article focuses on the plan of John R. Hill Jr., chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of diversified construction materials firm Gifford-Hill & Co., to acquire cement-maker Amcord Inc. in 1979. Topics discussed include the risks faced by Hill given that the deal is being made at a time of recession, the potential profits Gifford-Hill expects from the merger, and information on leveraged buyouts.

The article looks at the personal computer industry in the U.S. with a focus on the use of personal computers by securities analysts as of August 1979. Particular focus is given to analyst Benjamin Rosen and his utilization of an Apple II system. Other topics include Telecomputing Corp. of America's (TCA) offering of a financial services system and the fact that the use of financial services software requires users to have cognizance of programming language.

The article discusses an attempt of private investors led by financial services company First Boston Corp. to buy out U.S. conglomerate Congoleum Corp. from its public stockholders as of August 1979. Special attention is paid to the company's business performance and financial figures, its return on equity, and stock price.

The article reports on the increased number of corporations using electronic funds transfer systems to manage their cash. It describes the way asset insurance company Equitable Life Assurance Society uses electronics to manage its cash and reduce its reliance on banks in terms of transferring checks and money. It reports on the big New York banks that made use of computers to transfer funds ahead of their competitors. The benefits of the electronics fund transfer system is also discussed.

The article discusses the practice of banks to float deposited checks for three days before the depositors can use their money. The author notes that the practice enables banks to use the money for five days or more at no charge. She describes the practice of American Express Co. of working off the float which involves clients buying one of its traveler's checks, allowing the bank free use of the money until such time as the clients actually cash the check.

The article looks at U.S. soap and toothpaste producer Colgate-Palmolive Co. as of January 1979 with particular focus given to its management by chief executive officer (CEO) David R. Foster after the diversification of the company. Topics discussed include Colgate's earnings, its subdivisions cosmetics outfit Helena Rubinstein and food producer Riviana Foods, and competition with consumer products manufacturer Procter & Gamble (P&G).

The article discusses developments in the mutual fund industry in the U.S. as of mid-May 1978. It cites Dreyfus Corp. and its Dreyfus Mergers & Acquisitions Fund, Davis Dinsmore Management Co.'s Gary Davis, and Merrill Lynch's Special Value Fund. It also features Fidelity Management & Research Co., Michael Barrett of Kemper Financial Services, and AIM Management's Charles T. Bauer.