Court says Microsoft verdict to be issued on upcoming Friday

The judge's verdict in the Microsoft antitrust trial will be issued on an upcoming Friday evening.<br> <br>But a spokesman for federal Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson won't say which Friday. <br><br>The

Tuesday, October 19th 1999, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

The judge's verdict in the Microsoft antitrust trial will be issued on an upcoming Friday evening.

But a spokesman for federal Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson won't say which Friday.

The government and rival companies are accusing Microsoft of bullying competitors.

The timing suggests the judge may be concerned about the impact of his ruling on the stock market, which is closed on weekends.

Earlier in the trial, Jackson commented that America Online's purchase of Netscape was possibly a big change in the playing field.

Within minutes of the judge's remarks, Microsoft's stock jumped sharply as investors saw the remarks as favorable toward the
company.