Fair Value Disclosures
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Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fair Value Disclosures |
Fair Value Accounting
Fair Value Hierarchy
In accordance with Fair Value Accounting, Merrill Lynch has categorized its financial instruments, based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique, into a three-level fair value hierarchy.
The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3).
Financial assets and liabilities recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets are categorized based on the inputs to the valuation techniques as follows:
Level 1. Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market that Merrill Lynch has the ability to access (examples include active exchange-traded equity securities, exchange-traded derivatives, U.S. Government securities, and certain other Non-U.S. government obligations).
Level 2. Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or model inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. Level 2 inputs include the following:
a) Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets (examples include restricted stock and U.S. agency securities);
b) Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in non-active markets (examples include corporate and municipal bonds, which can trade infrequently);
c) Pricing models whose inputs are observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability (examples include most over-the-counter derivatives, including interest rate and currency swaps); and
d) Pricing models whose inputs are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data through correlation or other means for substantially the full term of the asset or liability (examples include certain residential and commercial mortgage-related assets, including loans, securities and derivatives).
Level 3. Financial assets and liabilities whose values are based on prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. These inputs reflect management's view about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability (examples include certain private equity investments, certain residential and commercial mortgage-related assets and long-dated or complex derivatives).
As required by Fair Value Accounting, when the inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the level within which the fair value measurement is categorized is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. For example, a Level 3 fair value measurement may include inputs that are observable (Level 1 and 2) and unobservable (Level 3). Therefore gains and losses for such assets and liabilities categorized within the Level 3 reconciliation below may include changes in fair value that are attributable to both observable inputs (Levels 1 and 2) and unobservable inputs (Level 3). Further, the following reconciliations do not take into consideration the offsetting effect of Level 1 and 2 financial instruments entered into by Merrill Lynch that economically hedge certain exposures to the Level 3 positions.
A review of fair value hierarchy classifications is conducted on a quarterly basis. Changes in the observability of valuation inputs may result in a reclassification for certain financial assets or liabilities. Reclassifications are reported as transfers in or transfers out of the Level as of the beginning of the quarter in which the reclassifications occur. Therefore, Level 3 gains and losses represent amounts recognized during the period in which the instrument was classified as Level 3. Refer to the recurring and non-recurring sections within this Note for further information on transfers between levels.
Valuation Processes and Techniques
Merrill Lynch has various processes and controls in place to ensure that its fair value measurements are reasonably estimated. A model validation policy governs the use and control of valuation models used to estimate fair value. This policy requires review and approval of models by personnel who are independent of the front office and periodic re-assessments to ensure that models are continuing to perform as designed. In addition, detailed reviews of trading gains and losses are analyzed on a daily basis by personnel who are independent of the front office. A price verification group, which is also independent of the front office, utilizes available market information including executed trades, market prices and market observable valuation model inputs to ensure that fair values are reasonably estimated. Merrill Lynch executes due diligence procedures over third party pricing service providers in order to support their use in the valuation process. Where market information is not available to support internal valuations, independent reviews of the valuations are performed and any material exposures are escalated through a management review process.
While Merrill Lynch believes its valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different estimate of fair value at the reporting date.
During 2012, there were no changes to Merrill Lynch's valuation techniques that had or are expected to have, a material impact on its consolidated financial position or results of operations.
The following outlines the valuation methodologies for Merrill Lynch's material categories of assets and liabilities:
U.S. Government and agencies
U.S. Treasury securities U.S. Treasury securities are valued using quoted market prices and are generally classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.
U.S. agency securities U.S. agency securities are comprised of two main categories consisting of agency issued debt and mortgage pass-throughs. The fair value of agency issued debt securities is derived using market prices and recent trade activity gathered from independent dealer pricing services or brokers. Generally, the fair value of mortgage pass-throughs is based on market prices of comparable securities. Agency issued debt securities and mortgage pass-throughs are generally classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
Non-U.S. governments and agencies
Non-U.S. government obligations Non-U.S. government obligations are valued using quoted prices in active markets when available. To the extent quoted prices are not available, fair value is determined based on reference to recent trading activity and quoted prices of similar securities. These securities are generally classified in Level 1 or Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy, primarily based on the issuing country.
Municipal debt
Municipal bonds The fair value of municipal bonds is calculated using recent trade activity, market price quotations and new issuance levels. In the absence of this information, fair value is calculated using comparable bond credit spreads. Current interest rates, credit events, and individual bond characteristics such as coupon, call features, maturity, and revenue purpose are considered in the valuation process. The majority of these bonds are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
Auction Rate Securities (“ARS”) Merrill Lynch holds investments in certain ARS, including student loan and municipal ARS. Student loan ARS are comprised of various pools of student loans. Municipal ARS are issued by states and municipalities for a wide variety of purposes, including but not limited to healthcare, industrial development, education and transportation infrastructure. The fair value of the student loan ARS is calculated based upon a number of assumptions including weighted average life, coupon, discount margin and liquidity discounts. The fair value of the municipal ARS is calculated based upon projected refinancing and spread assumptions. In both cases, recent trades and issuer tenders are considered in the valuations. Student loan ARS and municipal ARS are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
Corporate and other debt
Corporate bonds Corporate bonds are valued based on either the most recent observable trade and/or external quotes, depending on availability. The most recent observable trade price is given highest priority as the valuation benchmark based on an evaluation of transaction date, size, frequency, and bid-offer. This price may be adjusted by bond or credit default swap spread movement. When credit default swap spreads are referenced, cash-to-synthetic basis magnitude and movement as well as maturity matching are incorporated into the value. When neither external quotes nor a recent trade is available, the bonds are valued using a discounted cash flow approach based on risk parameters of comparable securities. In such cases, the potential pricing difference in spread and/or price terms with the traded comparable is considered. Corporate bonds are generally classified as Level 2 or Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
Commercial loans and commitments The fair values of commercial loans and loan commitments are based on market prices and most recent transactions when available. When not available, a discounted cash flow valuation approach is applied using market-based credit spreads of comparable debt instruments, recent new issuance activity or relevant credit derivatives with appropriate cash-to-synthetic basis adjustments. Commercial loans and commitments are generally classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. Certain commercial loans, particularly those related to emerging market, leveraged and distressed companies have limited price transparency. These loans are generally classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
Mortgages, mortgage-backed and asset-backed
Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities (“RMBS”), Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (“CMBS”), and other Asset-Backed Securities (“ABS”) RMBS, CMBS and other ABS are valued based on observable price or credit spreads for the particular security, or when price or credit spreads are not observable, the valuation is based on prices of comparable bonds or the present value of expected future cash flows. Valuation levels of RMBS and CMBS indices are used as an additional data point for benchmarking purposes or to price outright index positions.
When estimating the fair value based upon the present value of expected future cash flows, Merrill Lynch uses its best estimate of the key assumptions, including forecasted credit losses, prepayment rates, forward yield curves and discount rates commensurate with the risks involved, while also taking into account performance of the underlying collateral.
RMBS, CMBS and other ABS are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy if external prices or credit spreads are unobservable or if comparable trades/assets involve significant subjectivity related to property type differences, cash flows, performance and other inputs; otherwise, they are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
Collateralized loan obligations ("CLO") are valued based upon the present value of expected future cash flows, utilizing yields that are derived from those of comparable securities. CLOs are generally classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
Equities
Exchange-Traded Equity Securities Exchange-traded equity securities are generally valued based on quoted prices from the exchange. These securities are classified as either Level 1 or Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy, primarily based on the exchange on which they are traded.
Convertible debentures Convertible debentures are valued based on observable trades and/or external quotes, depending on availability. When neither observable trades nor external quotes are available, the instruments are valued using a discounted cash flow approach based on risk parameters of comparable securities. In such cases, the potential pricing difference in spread and/or price terms with the traded comparable is considered. Convertible debentures are generally classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
Derivative contracts
Listed Derivative Contracts Listed derivatives that are actively traded are generally valued based on quoted prices from the exchange and are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. Listed derivatives that are not actively traded are valued using the same approaches as those applied to OTC derivatives; they are generally classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
OTC Derivative Contracts OTC derivative contracts include forwards, swaps and options related to interest rate, foreign currency, credit, equity or commodity underlyings.
The fair value of OTC derivatives is derived using market prices and other market based pricing parameters such as interest rates, currency rates and volatilities that are observed directly in the market or gathered from independent sources such as dealer consensus pricing services or brokers. Where models are used, they are used consistently and reflect the contractual terms of and specific risks inherent in the contracts. Generally, the models do not require a high level of subjectivity since the valuation techniques used in the models do not require significant judgment and inputs to the models are readily observable in active markets. When appropriate, valuations are adjusted for various factors such as liquidity and credit considerations based on available market evidence. In addition, for most collateralized interest rate and currency derivatives the requirement to pay interest on the collateral may be considered in the valuation. The majority of OTC derivative contracts are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
OTC derivative contracts that do not have readily observable market based pricing parameters are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Examples of derivative contracts classified within Level 3 include contractual obligations that have tenures that extend beyond periods in which inputs to the model would be observable, exotic derivatives with significant inputs into a valuation model that are less transparent in the market and certain credit default swaps (“CDS”) referenced to mortgage-backed securities. For example, derivative instruments, such as certain CDS referenced to RMBS, CMBS, other ABS and collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”), may be valued based on the underlying mortgage risk where these instruments are not actively quoted. Inputs to the valuation will include available information on similar underlying loans or securities in the cash market. The prepayments and loss assumptions on the underlying loans or securities are estimated using a combination of historical data, prices on recent market transactions, relevant observable market indices such as the Asset Backed Securities Index (“ABX”) or Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities Index (“CMBX”) and prepayment and default scenarios and analyses.
CDOs The fair value of CDOs is derived from a referenced basket of CDS, the CDO's capital structure, and the default correlation, which is an input to a proprietary CDO valuation model. The underlying CDO portfolios typically contain investment grade as well as non-investment grade obligors. After adjusting for differences in risk profile, the correlation parameter for an actual transaction is estimated by benchmarking against observable standardized index tranches and other comparable transactions. CDOs are classified as either Level 2 or Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
Investment securities non-qualifying
Investments in Private Equity, Real Estate and Hedge Funds Merrill Lynch has investments in numerous asset classes, including: direct private equity, private equity funds, hedge funds and real estate funds. Valuing these investments requires significant management judgment due to the nature of the assets and the lack of quoted market prices and liquidity in these assets. Initially, the transaction price of the investment is generally considered to be the best indicator of fair value. Thereafter, valuation of direct investments is based on an assessment of each individual investment using various methodologies, which include publicly traded comparables derived by multiplying a key performance metric (e.g., earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA")) of the portfolio company by the relevant valuation multiple observed for comparable companies, acquisition comparables, entry level multiples and discounted cash flows. These valuations are subject to appropriate discounts for lack of liquidity. Certain factors which may influence changes to fair value include but are not limited to, recapitalizations, subsequent rounds of financing, and offerings in the equity or debt capital markets. For fund investments, Merrill Lynch generally records the fair value of its proportionate interest in the fund's capital as reported by the fund's respective managers.
Investment securities non-qualifying include equity securities that have recently gone through initial public offerings or secondary sales of public positions. These investments are primarily classified as either Level 1 or Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. Level 2 classifications generally include those publicly traded equity investments that have a legal or contractual transfer restriction. All other investments in private equity, real estate and hedge funds are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy due to infrequent trading and/or unobservable market prices.
Resale and repurchase agreements
Merrill Lynch elected the fair value option for certain resale and repurchase agreements. For such agreements, the fair value is estimated using a discounted cash flow model which incorporates inputs such as interest rate yield curves and option volatility. Resale and repurchase agreements for which the fair value option has been elected are generally classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
Long-term and short-term borrowings
Merrill Lynch and its consolidated VIEs issue structured notes that have coupons or repayment terms linked to the performance of debt or equity securities, indices, currencies or commodities. The fair value of structured notes is estimated using valuation models for the combined derivative and debt portions of the notes when the fair value option has been elected. These models incorporate observable, and in some instances unobservable, inputs including security prices, interest rate yield curves, option volatility, currency, commodity or equity rates and correlations between these inputs. The impact of Merrill Lynch's own credit spreads is also included based on Merrill Lynch's observed secondary bond market spreads. Structured notes are classified as either Level 2 or Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
Recurring Fair Value
The following tables present Merrill Lynch’s fair value hierarchy for those assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.
During the year ended December 31, 2012, $2,040 million and $350 million of assets and liabilities, respectively, were transferred from Level 1 to Level 2, and $785 million and $40 million of assets and liabilities, respectively, were transferred from Level 2 to Level 1. Of the asset transfer from Level 1 to Level 2, $940 million was due to restrictions that became effective for non-qualifying investment securities during 2012, while $535 million of the asset transfer from Level 2 to Level 1 was due to the lapse of such restrictions during 2012. The remaining transfers were the result of additional information associated with certain equities, derivative contracts and investment securities non-qualifying.
Transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 assets and liabilities were not significant for the year ended December 31, 2011.
Level 3 derivative contracts (assets) relate to derivative positions on U.S. ABS CDOs and other mortgage products of $2.4 billion, $3.1 billion of other credit derivatives that incorporate unobservable model valuation inputs, and $4.6 billion of equity, currency, interest rate and commodity derivatives that are long-dated and/or have unobservable model valuation inputs (e.g., unobservable correlation).
Level 3 non-qualifying investment securities primarily relate to certain private equity positions.
Level 3 loans, notes and mortgages primarily relate to residential mortgage and corporate loans.
Level 3 other assets represent net monoline exposure to a single counterparty. This exposure was reclassified from derivative contracts (assets) during the third quarter of 2011 because of the inherent default risk and given that these contracts no longer provide a hedge benefit (see Note 6).
Level 3 derivative contracts (liabilities) relate to derivative positions on U.S. ABS CDOs and other mortgage products of $1.6 billion, $0.7 billion of other credit derivatives that incorporate unobservable model valuation inputs, and $3.3 billion of equity, currency, interest rate and commodity derivatives that are long-dated and/or have unobservable model valuation inputs (e.g., unobservable correlation).
Level 3 long-term borrowings primarily relate to equity-linked structured notes of $1.7 billion, which have unobservable model valuation inputs (e.g., unobservable correlation).
The following tables provide a summary of changes in Merrill Lynch’s Level 3 financial assets and liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2012, December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
Transfers in and out for corporate debt primarily relate to changes in market liquidity for certain corporate loans and securities. Transfers in for mortgages, mortgage-backed and asset-backed is primarily the result of additional information related to certain CLOs. Transfers out for mortgages, mortgage-backed and asset-backed relates to increased market activity (i.e., executed trades) for certain loans backed by commercial real estate. Transfers in for derivative contracts, net primarily relate to decreased price observability for certain long-dated equity derivative liabilities due to lack of independent pricing. Transfers out for derivative contracts, net primarily relate to increased price observability (i.e., market comparables) for certain total return swaps ("TRS") and foreign exchange swaps. Transfers in and out related to long-term borrowings are primarily due to changes in the impact of unobservable inputs on the value of certain equity-linked structured notes.
Sales of corporate debt primarily relates to sales of corporate ARS and distressed loans during the first quarter of 2011. Sales of mortgages, mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities primarily relates to the sale of CDO positions in conjunction with the liquidation of a VIE and sales of CLO positions due to the exit of Merrill Lynch's proprietary trading business. Purchases of corporate debt primarily relates to purchases of non-investment grade and distressed corporate loans and bonds. Purchases of mortgages, mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities primarily relates to purchases of CDO and CLO positions. Sales and purchases of municipal securities is primarily due to dealer activity in student loan ARS. Sales of investment securities non-qualifying primarily relates to the sale of private equity investments during 2011.
The purchases for other assets and settlements for derivative contracts, net reflect the reclassification of approximately $1.6 billion of net monoline exposure from derivative contracts (assets) to other assets because of the inherent default risk and given that these contracts no longer provide a hedge benefit.
Transfers out for convertible debentures are due to increased observability (i.e., market comparables) for certain convertible bond positions. Transfers in for corporate debt are primarily due to decreased observability (i.e., decreased market liquidity) for certain corporate loans and bonds. Transfers out for corporate debt primarily relates to increased price observability (i.e., market comparables) for certain corporate bond positions. Transfers out for mortgages, mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities primarily relates to increased price observability for certain RMBS, CMBS and consumer ABS portfolios. Transfers in for derivative contracts, net primarily relates to changes in the valuation methodology for certain CDOs and TRS, in addition to certain equity derivative positions with unobservable correlation. Transfers out for derivative contracts, net primarily relates to increased price observability for certain equity and credit derivative positions.
Transfers out for investment securities available-for-sale - corporate ABS are due to increased price observability (i.e., market comparables) for certain positions. Transfers in for investment securities non-qualifying are due to a change in the valuation methodology for a real estate private equity fund. Transfers out related to investment securities non-qualifying are primarily due to a private equity investment that underwent an initial public offering during the first quarter of 2011. Transfers out for loans, notes and mortgages and other payables - interest and other primarily relates to increased observability (i.e., market comparables) for certain corporate loans and unfunded loan commitments. Transfers in and out related to long-term borrowings are primarily due to changes in the impact of unobservable inputs on the value of certain equity-linked structured notes.
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