-- Chief Economist Hoffman analyzes results of current 'PNC Economic Outlook'

survey --

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 4, 2006 - Stuart Hoffman, chief economist for The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC), will discuss the results of the current "PNC Economic Outlook" survey of business owners nationwide and his economic forecast on Thursday, April 6, at 9:00 a.m. EDT in Washington, D.C.

The presentation will be made to a gathering of business executives at The Mayflower Hotel in Washington. Hoffman will be joined by Michael Harreld, regional president of PNC Bank in the Greater Washington Area, and Barbara Lang, president and chief executive officer of The DC Chamber of Commerce.

The biannual survey, which began in 2003, of small business and middle- market business owners and senior decision-makers across the United States provides findings about expectations for their own business performance, including sales and hiring projections for the next six months and beyond.

"The owners of small and mid-sized businesses provide unique insights into the issues that impact economic growth in the United States," said Hoffman, the current president of the National Association for Business Economics. He added that findings from the survey conducted in January and February offer insight into economic trends and the business community's plans amid concerns about higher energy prices, increasing health care costs and rising interest rates.

Presentation: Thursday, April 6, at 9:00 a.m. ET

Hoffman will present the survey's national results and his forecast. Harreld will discuss the Washington area results and economy then Lang will provide her business perspective. National and regional news media are invited to attend the presentation in Washington or participate in the live teleconference and webcast hosted by PNC.

  Location:           The presentations will be made at The Mayflower Hotel,
                      1127 Connecticut Avenue NW, in Washington. Go to the
                      Grand Ballroom on the first floor.

  Internet:           Live audio-only webcast accessible at www.pnc.com
                      under "News."

  Dial-in Number:     800-990-2718 or 706-643-0187
                      Conference ID: 7313432 / Passcode: 1523

                      Note: Media using the teleconference option will be
                      able to ask questions during the Q&A session at the
                      end of the news conference.

  Replay Information: Available on PNC's Web site for 30 days, and via
                      telephone for one week at 800-642-1687 and
                      706-645-9291, Conference ID: 7313432.

  CONTACT:            Patrick McMahon
                      (412) 762-2477
                      patrick.mcmahon@pnc.com

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. is one of the nation's largest diversified financial services organizations providing consumer and business banking; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management; asset management; and global fund services.

PRNewswire -- April 4

SOURCE: The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

Web site: http://www.pnc.com/