ALSO NOTED: Merrill Lynch shares tank, will shutter subprime unit; Carlyle bond fund misses margin calls; and much more...

Company News:
> Citic demanding a larger stake of Bear Stearns. Article
> Carlyle bond fund misses margin calls. Article
> Merrill Lynch shares tank; will shutter subprime unit. Article
> Thornburg's ratings slashed by Fitch. Article
> UBS buys stake in research firm. Article
> WaMu downgraded by S&P. Article
> Is the Citigroup dividend really safe? Article
> Lehman suspends two traders. Article
> Dubai fund has not been approached by Citigroup. Article
> Bank of America deal for Countrywide on track. Article
> Sallie Mae stock in a swoon. Article

Industry News:
> Foreclosures hit record high. Article
> Percentage of equity in homes falls below 50 percent. Article
> Nymex to widen range of oil contracts. Article
> Commodities: The squeeze is on. Article

And Finally... Use a tough economy to your advantage. Article