NYSE computers prepared for Monday

NEW YORK -- The nation's big stock markets completed a successful test of their computer and communications systems Saturday, clearing the way for trading to resume Monday.

"Based on today's evaluation of our systems ... at 9:30 Monday morning trading will resume," New York Stock Exchange Chairman Richard A. Grasso said.

Telephone and utility workers continued reconnecting services Saturday, but "our systems are all go," Grasso said.

The Nasdaq Stock Market also issued a statement saying it had conducted a successful test of its systems and was ready to trade.

The NYSE, Nasdaq and American Stock Exchange have been closed since Tuesday, when terrorists destroyed the World Trade Center's twin towers and forced the shutdown of the city's financial district. All three markets plan to reopen on Monday.

The NYSE chairman said the exchange would observe two minutes of silence before the start of trading to honor the thousands of people believed killed in the trade center attack and assault on the Pentagon. He said those on the exchange floor would also join in singing "God Bless America."

The opening bell, traditionally rung by corporate executives or political leaders, will be sounded by representatives from the agencies heading rescue efforts at the trade center: the police and fire departments, emergency medical services and Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Grasso joined some market analysts in predicting that trading will be orderly, and that investors will be restrained, not panicky.

"I would suggest that investors have had this time frame to step back and take a reasoned approach, a thoughtful approach, to their investments," he said.