Spotlight: Countrywide Credit to Join S&P; 500

Countrywide Credit Industries Inc. will be added to the Standard & Poor’s 500-stock index after the close of trading Tuesday, a distinction that could create demand for its stock. The Pasadena-based mortgage company will replace insurer USLife Corp., which is being acquired by American General Corp. for $1.8 billion. Trading activity in Countrywide shares is likely to pick up because mutual funds that mimic the S&P; 500--so-called index funds--are required to hold every member in the index.