RECORD STEEL IMPORTS in 1959 topped U.S. steel exports for first time. Boosted by 116-day steel strike, imports rose about 150% over 1958, to 4,400,000 tons; but foreign steel purchases are dropping off in 1960 as U.S. production returns to normal. Steel exports in 1959 totaled only 1,500,000 tons, lowest since 1936.

MUTUAL FUND DIVIDENDS that were paid to shareholders in 1959 from investments rose to a record high of $464 million, v. $415 million in 1958. Assets of investment companies at end of 1959 totaled $17.5 billion, up from $14.9 billion in 1958.

ANITA O'KEEFFE YOUNG, widow of Railroadman Robert R. Young, wants to sell her Alleghany Corp. stock to Texas Millionaire Clint W. Murchison for estimated $11 million. Sale of stock, crucial to control of Alleghany, is being temporarily blocked by suit filed by a Young relative. When and if deal is closed, Murchison is expected to ask for at least two seats on Allegheny's nine-man board, put new zip into the company.

FORD, G.M. EARNINGS for 1959 were second highest in history for both companies (highest: 1955). General Motors had sales of $11.2 billion and earnings of $3.06 per share v. $2.22 in 1958. Ford sales were $5.4 billion; profits $8.24 per share v. $2.12 in 1958.

CUT-RATE AIRMAIL will be carried by airlines on a non-priority basis, if CAB approves. Airlines offered to carry first-class surface mail by air for half the regular airmail rate. CAB is expected to set rates close to those offered by airlines.

RUSSIAN CARS will be sold in U.S. by Syracuse Auto Dealer Robert Castle, who plans to import some 10,000 four-cylinder, 45-h.p. Moskviches during the next two years. Price: $1,500.

This file is automatically generated by a robot program, so reader's discretion is required.