AGE Edwards AG

ST. LOUIS, Dec. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Based on his predictions for the year-end levels of several key market indicators, A.G. Edwards Chief Equity Strategist Stuart Freeman was recognized today as the top-rated market analyst in a survey released by BusinessWeek magazine. Appearing in the magazine's Dec. 25 issue, on newsstands today, the results of the survey show that Freeman's targets for the Dow Jones Industrial Average, the Nasdaq, and the S&P 500 were within two percentage points of their actual closing levels, taken on Wednesday, Dec. 6. To come up with its rankings, BusinessWeek conducted a survey of 76 equity strategists back in December of 2005, asking them to predict where they thought the Dow, Nasdaq, and S&P 500 would end the year in 2006. Percentage errors were calculated for each estimate, and the average combined error for each analyst was used to compile the rankings. Freeman's Dow target of 12,100 was less than two percent off the ending level of 12,309 on the closing day of the contest, his S&P forecast of 1400 was just 13 points away from its 1413 closing, and his Nasdaq estimate of 2470 was only slightly more optimistic than the 2446 close, with an error of less than one percent. In addition to the BusinessWeek accolade, Freeman will be a featured guest on CNBC this morning as part of the business news channel's weeklong segment "On Target," which will highlight the market predictions of five top strategists. Freeman will discuss his successful 2006 forecasts and also share his opinions of what to expect as we look ahead to 2007. For more information on Freeman's outlook for the coming year, investors can request a copy of the recently released A.G. Edwards Investment Guide, which features economic and market outlook commentary from several of the firm's leading strategists. The report is available on the firm's Website, agedwards.com, or by calling one of the firm's 700 branch offices across the country. About A.G. Edwards Drawn to the firm's client-first philosophy, individuals and businesses have turned to A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. (NYSE:AGE) for sound advice and access to a wide array of investment products and services that can help them meet their financial goals and objectives. Founded in 1887, A.G. Edwards and its affiliates employ nearly 7,000 financial consultants in more than 700 offices nationwide and two European locations in London and Geneva. More information can be found on agedwards.com. How we do business A.G. Edwards generally acts as a broker-dealer, but may act as an investment advisor on designated accounts, and the firm's obligations will vary with the role it plays. When working with clients the firm generally acts as a broker-dealer unless specifically indicated in writing. To better understand the differences between brokerage and advisory services, please consult "Important Information About Your Relationship With A.G. Edwards" on agedwards.com/disclosures. DATASOURCE: A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. CONTACT: Byron Goodrich of A.G. Edwards, +1-314-955-3235, Web site: http://www.agedwards.com/

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