[Kyra Phillips, Cnn Anchor:] Federal Reserve chair Alan Greenspan said the U.S. economy seems to have stood its ground despite major blows to the financial market, corporate malfeasance, terrorist attacks and a recession. He says economy is on the road to recovery, even though impact of recent events linger. So are investors feeling as upbeat as Alan Greenspan. Let's find out. Our Brian Cabell is at Charles Schwab office in Atlanta. Brian, earlier it was pretty good news. People still buying, trading, diversifying their portfolio.
[Brian Cabell, Cnn Correspondent:] Yes, Kyra, we have been here for about five hours now. We have seen a slow, but steady stream of investors coming in, most of them making their regular monthly deposits. We have sensed nothing like panic selling or any sort of frantic mood here at all; it's Just been the norm for folks around here in northern Atlanta. They are just coming in, investing as they normally do, and we have heard almost nothing but confidence.
[Unidentified Male:] I'm not worried at all, simply because I cannot take it with me. At my age, I have to look at things at a different way. I can't look for the future,you know, because I'm almost 90.
[Cabell:] Do you have faith in the American economy at this time?
[Unidentified Male:] Definitely. The finest economy in the world. And, by the way, the stock market, after all, there is not a bad place to be in. Sometimes you have to do real estate, and then sometimes have you to do the market.
[Cabell:] This particular branch deals with about 35,000 households. The branch manager here, Jim Ciardello, he is with me right now. Tell me this, Jim, have you been advising people to be more conservative over the last six months, over the last year or so.
[Jim Ciardello, Schwab Branch Mgr:] Well, it really depends upon the individual investor and what their goals and objectives are. We've had clients that are coming in. They are looking at money markets. They are looking at CDs and treasuries, trying be a little more conservative. Short term view really to put the money right now in anticipation that later on, we want it get back into the market strongly. There is still a lot of optimism out there. People are still looking at equities, as well as mutual funds. So it varies upon the individual investors.
[Cabell:] Over the last month, how many people have come in and said, I'm pulling my money out because I'm scared?
[Ciardello:] We really haven't had anyone come in really nervous. We have had a lot of people come in with their statements, with their consultants. They're saying, hey, this was something I was doing on my own in late 90s, and now I really need some help, so we're sitting down and, we're taking a look at their portfolio and we're making specific recommendations.
[Cabell:] And you remain confident even with the Dow as low as it is right now.
[Ciardello:] Absolutely. I mean, we have seen similar bear markets, mid to late 70s, and you know, historically the stock market has been very resilient, and will come back. And if you get a long- term view, it's one of the best places to invest.
[Cabell:] No changes here over the last year or so at this particular Schwab branch, people coming in, leaving, investing, selling, as they normally do.
[Ciardello:] Absolutely. And you know, more so, I think people are looking for our advice now more than they have in the past, and that's what we are here at Charles Schwab to do. With our equity ratings, with our adviser network, we have many avenues that we can help people invest their money.
[Cabell:] Thank you very much. So as you see, Kyra, at least according to Jim here, not much change, in spite of the bear market here for the last couple of years, in spite of the roller coaster ride yesterday, pretty much the norm, as it's been for those last couple of years or so. Back to you.
[Phillips:] All right, Brian, did you bring your portfolio in? Are you going to having them check it out?
[Cabell:] I did not. I have my portfolio in my back pocket.
[Phillips:] I don't blame you. I know we're checking it on a regular basis. All right, Brian Cabell, thanks so much. TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com Ground