In today's edition of the Daily Update, Multex Investor's director of
investment research, Marc Gerstein, explains why he values Varian
Medical Systems (VAR) so highly.

Also, equity research columnist Dave Sterman has no tax advice to offer,
but he does have a take on a couple of companies taking divergent paths
along the tax advice road.

Morgan Stanley believes that the future of online banking is sure, and
thinks investors who agree should think about Digital Insight (DGIB),
which provides Web services to that industry. Members like you can
benefit from the firm's free research trial to read more.

Finally, you too can pretend you're Marc Gerstein and perform your own
analysis by clicking below to access Multex Investor's Screen Center
http://www.multexinvestor.com/Article.asp?docid=4004&target=/stocks/advisor/home&nd=0109

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Below
--------

- Investment ideas
- Broker and third-party research
- Online advice and chats
- Free and sponsored reports


Investment ideas
-----------------------------------------

1. INVESTING STRATEGIES
Varian Medical Systems (VAR)
Varian stock could flourish if investors focus on the company as
effectively as its x-rays focus on cancer.

By Marc Gerstein, director of investment research

Don't feel let down by the fact that VAR today isn't really a heavyweight
airport security play. The company's core business activities are really
quite attractive. The mere fact that VAR is in the healthcare sector starts
it off with a favorable presumption. You know the drill: aging
population, long-term secular growth in demand for all sorts of health-
related products and services. Obviously, not every healthcare stock will
be a winner. But as we'll see below, VAR has solid financial
fundamentals, thereby causing it to easily pass the tests that cause many
firms in this area to falter.

Click here to read more.
http://www.multexinvestor.com/article.asp?docid=5749&nd=0109


2. INVESTMENT IDEAS
Taxes-dot-com
Two widely different strategies for navigating the tax Web

By Dave Sterman

For the last four years, the number of people filing their taxes online has
risen by at least 20 percent annually. And the folks at Intuit (INTU)
deserve a bunch of credit for the trend. Intuit's TurboTax software has
made it increasingly easy to complete and files taxes electronically,
eliminating the mistake-filled pen and paper process.

Curiously, H&R Block (HRB) has gone a different route. The tax prep
giant has stuck by its bricks and mortar model of handling taxes in
person. Block's TaxCut software also enables people to do their taxes on
a PC, but the company has done little to create a commanding Web
presence.

Click here to read more.
http://www.multexinvestor.com/article.asp?docid=5762&nd=0109


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Broker and third-party reports
-----------------------------------------


1. INVESTORS' CHOICE: 3-DAY FAVORITE
The 451 discusses Cisco's (CSCO) new focus on the mobile wireless
market.

This report examines IP infrastructure spending, the next-gen
Internet and network architecture layers, Cisco's strategic
alliances and mobile business customer targets, and advanced e-
services and content applications. (2-page report for purchase -
$5)
http://www.multexinvestor.com/download.asp?docid=5676705&nd=0109


2. TODAY'S SPECIAL REPORT
RBC Capital Markets takes an in-depth look at software giant
Microsoft (MSFT).

RBC provides its investment opinion and discusses MSFT's core
business, its product pipeline, the .NET strategy, recent financial
performance, and investment risks, including the lawsuit, Linux, AOL,
and slowing PC demand. (28-page report for purchase - $75)
http://www.multexinvestor.com/download.asp?docid=25907672&nd=0109


3. EDITOR'S PICK: CURRENT RESEARCH FROM THE CUTTING EDGE
Friedman, Billings, Ramsey speculates on Citigroup's exposure prior
to Argentina's peso devaluation.

FBR reviews the possible earnings hit Citigroup (C) might take as
a result of an Argentinian currency devaluation. The firm breaks down
the situation and explains how the exposure uncertainty affects its
thinking on the stock. (6-page report for purchase - $25)
http://www.multexinvestor.com/download.asp?docid=25926980&nd=0109


4. THIRD-PARTY REVIEW
British research firm EMC details cellular market developments and
market leaders.

The firm reviews 3G and 2G licensing and additional spectrum
issues, technology migration strategies, infrastructure contracts and
vendor analysis, handset developments, and market performance,
including key performance indicators and regional and country reports.
(141 page report for purchase - $950)
http://www.multexinvestor.com/download.asp?docid=25936977&nd=0109


5. WHAT'S HOT?
Prudential explains why a pick-up in merger activity would bring an
additional boost to small-caps.

Prudential discusses reasons for a comparatively lackluster 2001
in small-cap M&A. It details pickup in activity the past 2 months,
identifying many recent acquisitions and why other small-caps may be
ripe for takeover. (3-page report for purchase - $10)
http://www.multexinvestor.com/download.asp?docid=25909133&nd=0109


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The Internet Analyst: Wall Street's daily and weekly industry outlook

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Online advice and chats
-----------------------------------------


1. ASK THE ANALYST
The Technical Trader's Harry Boxer discusses the characteristics of his
ideal technical chart.

Identifying a stock he likes at the moment, Boxer explains why he favors
its chart, the internal technicals, and low-priced stocks in general. Do all
of your stocks possess ideal technicals? He can answer your questions
through today Wed., Jan. 9, 5 PM ET. Ask the analyst.
http://www.multexinvestor.com/AskTheAnalystForm.asp?&nd=0109

Sign up for a FREE TRIAL to Harry's "Real-Time Technical Trading
Diary" and receive Harry's "Top 20 Technical Picks for 2002" report--
FREE. Click here https://www.thetechtrader.com/sec-bin/ttuser?ref=multex3


2. ASK THE EXPERT
Insurance.com's Ronald E. Newton discusses life insurance coverage
issues brought up by divorce.

Newton explains the importance of reviewing insurance coverage in the
midst of divorce to protect loved ones should catastrophic events occur.
Do you have all the coverage you need? He can take your questions until
Thurs., Jan. 10. Ask the expert.
http://www.multexinvestor.com/AskTheExpertForm.asp?&nd=0109


3. TODAY's Live Event
Chat LIVE TODAY at 11:00am ET and learn about the prospects for the
fixed-income market.

Today at 11:00am ET, John Hollyer, Senior Portfolio Manager at The
Vanguard Group, will answer your questions about the prospects for the
fixed-income market. Don't miss this chance to ask questions. Click here
http://www.multexinvestor.com/LiveEvents/Article.asp?target=/liveevents/article/home&ForumID=42&DocID=5642&nd=0109



Free and sponsored reports
-----------------------------------------


1. FREE RESEARCH REPORT
Stephens, Inc. reviews its 2001 banking picks and selects new ones
for 2002.

The firm reflects upon the last year in the banking sector and
previews the year that will be. Stephens identifies six favorites in five
separate banking categories. This six-page report, which usually sells for
$25, is free to members for the next 72 hours.
http://www.multexinvestor.com/download.asp?docid=25914607&nd=0109


2. DAILY FREE SPONSOR REPORT
Morgan Stanley sets a $20 price target for "outperform-volatile"-rated
Digital Insight (DGIN).

The firm believes its valuation may even err on the side of caution for
this Internet banking play. You can read what the firm sees as key
investment strengths and key risks by registering for its free-research
trial.
http://www.multexinvestor.com/download.asp?docid=4660087&sid=8&nd=0109


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