Sales of U.S. savings bonds increased in...

Sales of U.S. savings bonds increased in October for the second time in seven months, rising 5.6% to $548 million, the Treasury Department said. The Treasury said sales in October were up $29 million from September and up $132 million from October, 1987, a 12.5% increase. Sales had fallen 10.8% in September and risen 3.4% in August. Treasury officials are looking for increasing sales of savings bonds because interest rates, starting Nov. 1 and effective through April 30, will be 7.35%.