Money Minute: French Fries,Google, Mortgages

BusinessMoney Minute: French Fries,Google, MortgagesMoney Minute: French Fries,Google, MortgagesThe Associated PressMcDonald's says its french fries are now trans-fat-free in all its restaurants in the United States and Canada. AP's Mark Hamrick reports on that and the rest of Thursday's top business headlines. (May 22)AP Money Minute---------------------Google co-founder Larry Page said the Internet search leader opposed a Microsoft-Yahoo deal because it would monopolize the online communications market, stifle innovation and curb competition.But Page discounted the idea that a deal between Google and Yahoo - one the two companies are now exploring - would present any potential antitrust problems. Microsoft had sought to buy Yahoo for $47.5 billion as a way to counter Google's dominance in the search and advertising market. That deal is currently dead, but the companies are exploring other options.---------------------McDonald's says its french fries are now trans-fat-free in all its restaurants in the United States and Canada. McDonald's dragged its heels in switching to a zero-trans-fat cooking oil out of worries it would compromise the taste of its trademark fries. McDonald's has been under increasing pressure from consumer advocates and public officials to make the change. The company says it's on schedule to convert to the new oil by year's end for its remaining baked items, pies and cookies.---------------------Rates on 30-year mortgages have dipped below 6 percent, falling to their lowest level in five weeks. Rates on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages also fell, dropping to 5.55 percent. The five-year adjustable-rate mortgage edged up slightly to five point six percent (5.61). One-year ARMs rose slightly to five and a quarter percent. (5.24) Analysts say longer-term rates dropped in response to reports showing continued weakness in the economy. Adjustable rate mortgages rose as they are more sensitive to what the Federal Reserve intends to do with the short-term rates it controls.I'm Mark Hamrick with AP Money Minute ___ ___, The Associated Press.(****END****) ANCHOR VOICE:-------------------------VIDEO PRODUCER:------------------------------V IDEO SOURCE:--------------------------VIDEO APPROVAL:------------------------------V IDEO RESTRICTIONS:--------------------------- -------SCRIPT/WIRE SOURCE:--------------------------------- ---