TradeStation Group, Internet-based securities brokerage provider, reported its daily average revenue trades for August advanced 32%. Client assets increased 15% as of Aug 31. The company stock went up 7 cents to $9.32 on Friday.

CORPORATE NEWS

Capital Automotive REIT agreed to be acquired by clients advised by DRA Advisors LLC for the total value of $3.4 billion, or $38.75 a share, including assumption of debt and preferred shares. The transaction is expected to close at the end of 2005 or the beginning of 2006.

The Spanish Gas Natural SDG made a takeover bid for Endesa, Spanish power utility, for 23 billion euros, or 21.30 euros a share, as 65% of the deal will be in stock and the rest in cash. The successful completion of the deal is expected to create one of the biggest energy producers in Europe.

General Motors GM should be observed as Deutsche Bank cut down its rating on the world's biggest car maker's debt to sell from hold, and affirmed a sell rating on the share, while also downgrading stocks of three suppliers, American Axle and Manufacturing AXL, Dana Corp. (DCN and Lear Corp. LEA.

American National Insurance ANAT announced that its subsidiaries estimate the pre-tax net loss, net of reinsurance will be in the $17 million range, following Hurricane Katrina. Estimated pre-reinsurance losses might go up to the $100 million range based on preliminary modeled losses.

British Airways BAB said passenger traffic decreased 0.7% in August, damaged by the strike that came as a result of catering firm Gate Gourmet firing several workers. Premium traffic declined 4.7% during the month.

Carnival Corp. CCL found it impossible to go ahead with one cruise and shortened the voyages of two others because of hurricanes. The cruise line operator announced it's chartered its cruise ships Ecstasy, Sensation and Holiday to the Military Sealift Command for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The ships will ensure emergency housing to about 7,000 evacuees.