[RT] Bell Ringer??

[Jpilleafe@xxxxxxx]

Interesting Item off of Bloomberg.... (posted by Jim Pilliod)
********************************************************************
Merrill to Exit Some Commodity Trading Businesses
     New York: Merrill Lynch & Co. will close much of its commodities
trading businesses, including agricultural commodities and research
operations, said people familiar with the situation.
     Merrill's energy brokerage won't be affected, nor will its
financial futures and options on futures contracts business, the
people said. Merrill declined to comment, though officials said
an announcement is likely later today.
     The move reflects the shrinking margins in commodities,
which have prompted other Wall Street firms, including Citigroup
Inc. and Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc., to reduce or exit the
business. Merrill already shrunk its commodities unit in October
1998, cutting 45 people in commodities derivatives.
     ``They're reallocating their capital to their most
profitable businesses,'' said Richard Strauss, who recommends
investors buy Merrill stock.