J.P. MORGAN &lt;JPM> INCREASES PRIME RATE

  J.P. Morgan and Co Inc said it is
  raising its prime lending rate to 7-3/4 pct from 7-1/2 pct,
  effective today.
      Most major U.S. banks are now posting a 7-3/4 pct rate.
  Citibank was the first to announce an increase on Tuesday.
  

