IBD'S TOP 10.(A)

Big Rally Caps Stocks' Up Week

1 Chips led the Nasdaq to a 2.4% gain, 3.3% for the week, reaching its best level since July 9, on higher trade. The small-cap S&P 600 rose 2%, 3.3% for the week, to a new high. The Dow added 1.1%, the S&P 500 1.5% in brisk but lower volume. They rose 1.5% and 1.9% for the week. The 10-year Treasury yield rose to 4.19% after sinking below 4% earlier in the week. More on this page, B2

PeopleSoft Fires CEO Conway

2In a surprise move, the software firm replaced Craig Conway with founder and Chairman David Duffield. It said Q3 license revenue beat views. The Justice Dept. won't appeal a court ruling barring it from blocking Oracle's hostile bid on antitrust grounds. With an Oracle takeover more likely, PeopleSoft shares rose 15% to 22.83 vs. Oracle's $21 cash bid. Oracle rose 5.5%. More on this page

U.S. Troops Storm Key Iraqi City

3The U.S.-led attack on Samarra killed an estimated 109 insurgents, who had been "holding the town hostage," a U.S. official said. 4 U.S. soldiers were wounded. Iraq said its troops played a big role, capturing 37. U.S. planes again struck terror hideouts in Fallujah. Sec'y of State Colin Powell said he regrets claiming Iraq had WMD, but said the world's better without Saddam Hussein.

Campaign Focus Stays On Iraq