FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                98-15
 
                                            Press Contact:
                                John Nester (202) 942-7083


         Statement of SEC Chairman Arthur Levitt on
  "Facts on Saving and Investing Campaign for the Americas"
                              

     Washington, D.C., February 11, 1998 -- Arthur Levitt,
Chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission,
said:

     "The SEC is proud to be a partner in this historic
effort to help teach people throughout the Americas about
the risks and rewards of saving and investing.  The benefits
of investor education are many.  Once people know how to
save and invest wisely, they can build financial security
while avoiding costly mistakes.  Saving and investing also
provides the vital financial resources that help companies
grow, create new jobs, and expand our economies.  In an
increasingly global marketplace, investor education benefits
us all."

     Later this month, the SEC and the North American
Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) will announce
a week-long series of programs to launch the "Facts on
Saving and Investing Campaign" in the U.S. starting March
29.  The campaign launch will culminate with a National
Investors' Town Meeting on April 4.




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