Merrill Lynch Pierce Kenner &

Information may not be reliable

Investments

Merrill Lynch Provides World-Class Research, Market Analysis and Risk-Management Strategies: Your Financial Advisor can help you translate these insights into actionable ideas that meet your financial needs.

Why their growth is poised to continue, according to Michael Hartnett, Chief Global Equity Strategist and Chairman of the Research Investment Committee (RIC). (Taped on October 13, 2010)

The third quarter of 2010 provided some momentum to equity market bullsand the fourth should bring more of the same, says Michael Hartnett, Chief Global Equity Strategist and Chairman of the Research Investment Committee (BAC), BofA Merrill Lynch Global Research. The October RIC Report reviews the key investment drivers contributing to the surge, while identifying key risks and especially promising investment strategies for the present market environment.
Hartnett notes that the RIC remains optimistic about U.S. stocks as well as those of emerging markets.The committee is less sanguine about European and Japanese equities. Within fixed income, investment-grade corporates and emerging market bonds draw the RICs interest, with precious and industrial metals favored over energy and agriculture in the RICs commodity projections.
In general, Hartnett says, the RIC bases its modestly upbeat view on the belief that as global central bank policies continue to make credit more readily available, cautious investors will continue to slowly decrease their proportion of cash investments.
As always, before you make any investment decisions, discuss them with your Financial Advisor.

With higher taxes potentially on the way, municipal bonds are drawing more attention and scrutiny. A leading BofA Merrill Lynch Global Research strategist offers some important insights.

Marty Mauro, Fixed Income Strategist for BofA Merrill Lynch Global Research, discusses two approaches for bond investors seeking greater yield in todays low interest rate environment. (Taped on October 6, 2010)

While cash plays an important role in your portfolio, ignoring the need for growth as well as preservation can compromise your long-term goals.

Rising consumer prices may not be an imminent threat, but they could always return. TIPS may help guard your portfolio when they do.

The research reports provide general information only. Neither the information nor any opinion expressed constitutes an offer or an invitation to make an offer, to buy or sell any securities or other investment or any options, futures or derivatives related to such securities or investments. It is not intended to provide personal investment advice and it does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation and the particular needs of any specific person who may receive this report. Investors should seek financial advice regarding the appropriateness of investing in any securities, other investment or investment strategies discussed or recommended in this report and should understand that statements regarding future prospects may not be realized. Investors should note that income from such securities or other investments, if any, may fluctuate and that price or value of such securities and investments may rise or fall. Accordingly, investors may receive back less than originally invested. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance. Diversification does not guarantee against loss in declining markets. BofA MerrillLynch Global Research is equity research produced by Merrill Lynch Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and / or one or more of its non-U.S. affiliates. MLPF&S is a wholly owned subsidiary of
Bank of America Corporation.