E*TRADE Group (ETFC)

[Joemoney]

RESEARCH ALERT-Robertson Stephens lifts E-Trade

NEW YORK, Nov 7 (Reuters) - Robertson Stephens said on Wednesday it has raised its investment rating to ``strong buy'' from ''buy'' for online brokerage firm E-Trade Group Inc. (NYSE:ET - news) with a 12-month price target of $10. It also raised its 2002 earnings estimate to 35 cents from 30 cents.

Robertson cited higher retail trading volumes, higher volumes at E-Trade's recently acquired market making firm Dempsey, and the company's booming mortgage origination business as reasons for the upgrade.

E-Trade shares rose 5.14 percent, or 37 cents, to $7.57 on the New York Stock Exchange Wednesday morning. Their 52-week trading range is $4.09 to $13.20.

http://biz.yahoo.com/rf/011107/nb7177811_3.html