Re: Outer Join and Group By

 Simon,

 All that you described seems very reasonable to me and gives the results  I would expect.  

 Your example  

  	select IN_NUMBER, IN_NAME, sum(OUT_AMOUNT)
	  from INNER, OUTER
	  where IN_NUMBER = OUT_NUMBER (+)
	    and OUT_MONTH >= '9504'
	  group by IN_NUMBER, IN_NAME;

 will never produce what you require because the outer join for

     2 XYZ Corp

 will have a NULL OUT_MONTH which will fail your test of >= '9504'

 You could change this to

     and (OUT_MONTH >= '9504' or OUT_MONTH is null)

  I think this will produce what your require (NB Untested !)

 I suggest you might also want to consider wrapping a NVL around  sum(OUT_AMOUNT) unless you actually want to distinguish between zero  and null. Hust my thoughts - treat them as you will.   

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| Ian Bainbridge           | bainbridge.i_at_bgers.co.uk|Phone: (44)191-216-0202|


| British Gas ERS          | Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK |            x2790      |


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