IBD'S TOP 10.(A)

Factory Activity Remains Strong

1U.S. manufacturing increased in March, surprising Wall Street analysts, who predicted a slight drop. The closely watched ISM Manufacturing Index came in at 62.5, up from Feb.'s 61.4 and 3 points above views. Higher production, new orders and employment fueled hopes the economy is strengthening. More on this page

Feb. Inflation Slight At Wholesale

2The producer price index for finished goods rose a mere 0.1%, well below its 0.6% jump in Jan. Year-over-year, the PPI rose at its slowest pace since late '02. Crude oil again rose sharply, up 2.5% after Jan.'s 2.8% rise. In a possible sign of future inflation, core intermediate goods rose 0.9%, the biggest gain in nine years. More on this page

U.S. Vows Justice For Iraq Killers

3Brig. Gen. Mark Kimmitt vowed an "overwhelming" response to the murder and mutilation of 4 U.S. contractors in Fallujah. Troops mostly stayed out of the city, a stronghold of support for Saddam Hussein. But Kimmitt said, "We will pacify that city. . . . It will be at the time and place of our choosing." The White House also vowed the U.S. will hunt down the killers.

U.S. Mulls Gas Waivers; Oil Dips