Results Hint of a Turnaround for Japan's Banks.

Reports on the financial performance of the Japanese banks Mizuho Financial Group, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Mitsubishi Tokyo Financial Group and UFJ Holdings in the first half of their fiscal year. Benefits derived by the banks from an improved economy, rising share prices and a tax refund from the Tokyo government; One-time gains and paper profits generated by an increase in Japanese stocks in the six months that ended September 30, 2003.