Morgan Stanley Near $3B Deal for Smith Barney

(NEWSER) - Rumors of Citigroup’s plan to merge its brokerage unit with that of Morgan Stanley have proven true, as both companies’ boards approved the move today, CNBC reports. Morgan Stanley will control 51% of the joint venture between its operation and Citi’s Smith Barney. Observers see Stanley’s option to increase its stake later as a sign that Citi will eventually leave the brokerage business entirely. More»

Still smarting from bad mortgage bets, the company will split to remain solvent

(NEWSER) - Citigroup lost $8.29 billion in the fourth quarter—twice as much as expected—as the credit crisis continues to batter big banks, Bloomberg reports. The bank suffered a net loss of $1.72 per share, falling far short of analysts’ estimates. Citigroup, which lost 77 percent of its trading value last year as it accepted $45 billion in bailout funds, now looks to split into two entities. More»

(NEWSER) - Say goodbye to the Citigroup empire. When the company releases its earnings next week, it'll also unveil a drastic plan to slice away businesses until it’s roughly two-thirds of its current size, the Wall Street Journal reports, and looks much like Citicorp did before the merger that created Citigroup. After ceding Smith Barney to Morgan Stanley and shedding or shrinking several other units, the new leaner Citi will cater to large corporations and rich people. More»

Some, unlike disgraced investment bankers and traders, even command bonuses

(NEWSER) - With investment bankers and trading desks disgraced by crippling losses, the everyday stockbroker is enjoying a renaissance as Wall Street firms look to stay relevant to customers and investors, the Wall Street Journal reports. The likely deal between Morgan Stanley and Citigroup that would create the world’s largest brokerage unit underscores the importance Wall Street is placing on brokers as instruments of economic recovery. More»

Dow off 50 in early trading; first reports due late today

(NEWSER) - Stocks moved lower at today’s open as traders held their collective breath ahead of what’s expected to be a dismal earning season, the Wall Street Journal reports. The Dow was down 50 points recently, to 8,548, while the S&P and Nasdaq dipped 0.95% and 0.78% respectively. All eyes are on Alcoa, which will begin earnings season by reporting after the bell today. More»