ALSO NOTED: Merrill Lynch cuts ratings on Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley; 4Q ends for top banks, bearishness abounds; and muc

Company News:
> Merrill Lynch cuts ratings on Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley. Article
> Blackrock to manage Superfund. Article
> BlackRock counsel sells stock. Article
> SunTrust to sponsor high-priced seats at Turner Field. Article

Industry News:
> Bank writedowns to hit $56 billion. Article
> 4Q ends for top banks, bearishness abounds. Article
> Commercial paper market continues to deteriorate. Article
> More withdrawals from Florida government fund. Article
> Rates on 30-year mortgages continue to fall. Article
> Home foreclosures hit new high. Article

Regulatory News:
> Is automation really helping? Article
> Media coverage generates CEO pay increases. Study
> Has Sarbox really changed attitudes? Article
> Father, son liable in insider trading case. Article

And Finally... In China, white collar fraud can lead to death penalty. Article