Merrill Lynch downgraded Citigroup Inc., Lehman Brothers Holdings, and Bear Stearns Cos. to neutral from buy. The broker said Bear Stearns and Lehman have a greater dependence on the debt markets than other firms and earnings are therefore likely to suffer from a slowdown in securitization and mortgage business. Merrill cut its 2008 earnings forecast for Lehman by 22% to $6.80 a share and for Bear Stearns by 16% to $12.07 a share. Merrill cut its earnings estimate for Citigroup by 5% to $4.91 a share, saying the group's broader business mix meant the earnings shortfall should be less dramatic than at Bear Stearns and Lehman. "But given the risks, we feel the need to be more selective," Merrill said. Merrill added its top picks in the sector are Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley because of their business mix and geographical diversity.
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/sto...1B-8508-426A-8A09-74B91FE73291}&dist=hplatest
Yesterday GS downgrading sector, today Merrill...seems the GUYZ want to load up...Funny enough one of GS` and MERRILL´s top picks is Morgan Stanley...anyway, expect bottom in these stocks coming soon...

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/sto...1B-8508-426A-8A09-74B91FE73291}&dist=hplatest
Yesterday GS downgrading sector, today Merrill...seems the GUYZ want to load up...Funny enough one of GS` and MERRILL´s top picks is Morgan Stanley...anyway, expect bottom in these stocks coming soon...
