The United States has entered the longest economic expansion in its history while stocks continue their roller coaster ride. What's next for the financial markets?

     Author and nationally syndicated finance columnist Terry Savage and a panel of top money managers will offer their forecasts for the economy and the financial markets at DePaul University's Financial Market Update May 16 at the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza, 350 N. Orleans St.

     The event, sponsored by DePaul's College of Commerce Alumni Association and presented by LaSalle Bank, will begin with a networking continental breakfast at 7:30 a.m. The panel discussion led by Savage will follow at 8:15 a.m. Panelists are: Carl Tannenbaum, senior vice president and chief economist, LaSalle Bank; Rao Chalansani, chief investment strategist at First Union Securities; Lou Holland, chairman of Holland Capital Management, who is a frequent commentator for PBS' "Wall Street Week"; Eric McKissack, vice chairman, Ariel Capital Management; and Robert Wanger, investment officer and head portfolio manager, Wanger Asset Management. A question and answer session will follow the discussion.

     "This event is a rare opportunity to hear about future market trends from a nationally respected authority on financial issues and experts who manage billions of dollars in investment assets," said Arthur Kraft, dean of DePaul's College of Commerce.

     In addition to the panel discussion, DePaul's College of Commerce Honors Committee and the college's Institute for Business and Professional Ethics will present their annual awards for Business Leadership, Civic Leadership, Business Ethics and the Commerce Alumni Award of Merit at the event.

     Savage is a nationally recognized financial authority and television personality. She is the author of "The Savage Truth On Money," published in October, and has written two other best-selling books. She writes a weekly syndicated column on personal finance for the Chicago Sun-Times and presents financial information on-line at her Web site, www.terrysavage.com. She also is the personal finance expert for Barron's Online, is featured on Microsoft's MoneyCentral Web site and is a regular business commentator on PBS' "Nightly Business Report." Savage started her career as a stockbroker, and in 1973 became a founding member -- and the first woman trader -- on the Chicago Board Options Exchange. She also was a member of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange's International Monetary Market where she traded interest contracts and currency futures. She is a registered investment advisor for both stocks and futures.

     Event sponsor LaSalle Bank is Chicago's second largest bank with assets of over $30 billion. LaSalle is a subsidiary of Netherlands-based ABN AMRO Bank N.V., the world's sixth largest bank with total assets of $480 billion and more than 3,500 locations in 76 countries and territories.

     The event also is being supported by DePaul's Institute for Business and Professional Ethics and Ledger & Quill, the DePaul School of Accountancy alumni and friends association.

     The Financial Market Update costs $35 per person for the general public and $25 for DePaul alumni, faculty and students. For more information and reservations, call Wes McQuerry in DePaul's Alumni Relations office at 312/362-8829, or visit the Web page www.alumni.depaul.edu.