June 12, 1991

The American Stock Exchange announced yesterday that it planned to extend its trading time for stocks by one hour, allowing investors to buy or sell a security at its closing price from the regular session. The announcement came just two days before the start of the New York Stock Exchange's move to expand trading hours, a first significant step in a plan to develop 24-hour trading by the year 2000.

FOR some, an entry level job in a restaurant may only mean serving fast food or washing dishes. For others, it may be the beginning of a lucrative and challenging career. But now a number of professionals in the food service industry are devising training programs for those who might otherwise have no prospects beyond the burgers and dirty dishes, enabling them to rise through the ranks in the food business.

The Economy The nation's senior auditor predicted that the banking industry may be headed for a large taxpayer bailout, and based on the past assessments of the Comptroller General, Charles A. Bowsher, there is good reason to believe him. [ Page D1. ]

President Bush approved $1.5 billion in agricultural loan guarantees for the Soviet Union today, a major step toward helping President Mikhail S. Gorbachev bolster his country's economy. The loan guarantees, which Mr. Bush had recently indicated he would approve after extending $1 billion in similar credits last December, will be made available in three installments starting this month with $600 million, said Marlin Fitzwater, the White House spokesman.

IT looked like a recipe for catastrophe. While waiting in the wings to go on stage, the musician noticed a twitch in his hand. Sure that it signaled more severe nervous tremors to come, he was gripped by the fear that he would fumble his performance.