As we stand poised on the brink of the next century, Wall Street has never been more turbulent or exciting. Now, in this smart, savvy, up-to-the-minute guide, the top editors of The Wall Street Journal tell you exactly what's happening on the floor, behind the scenes--giving you the inside, in-depth story on the most powerful firms and creative minds on Wall Street. This incisive resource examines the corporate structure, strategies, assets, profits and losses of the biggest and most diversified of Wall Street companies as well as the key retail firms, trading houses, investment banks, and giant commercial banks. Presented here also is a thorough examination of the venues in which Wall Street does much of its business--the New York Stock Exchange and the National Association of Securities Dealers--and the agencies that regulate that business such as the SEC and the Federal Reserve. Through the impeccable research and financial acumen that only The Wall Street Journal can deliver, you'll discover the fascinating stories behind Wall Street's headline-making power brokers and companies and gain a better understanding of the individuals, trends, and laws that control Wall Street today. Inside you'll find complete inside accounts of: , How Merrill Lynch turned itself around by penetrating banking and nonbrokerage businesses , Which firm elite mega-investment bank Morgan Stanley Dean Witter has its eyes on now , Why Smith Barney Inc.'s plan to challenge Merrill Lynch failed--and what they're doing to recover , The five big retail investment firms--Merrill Lynch, Smith Barney, Dean Witter, Paine Webber, and Prudential--and how they came to dominate the markets , Thehigh-pressure trading cultures within Salomon, Bear Stearns, and Lehman Brothers , The epoch-making deals--and career-breaking stumbles--carried out by investment banks like Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, and First Boston , How J. P. Morgan and Bankers Trust have transformed themselves into financial powerhouses while other banks have fallen by the wayside , And much more Filled with privileged accounts and illuminating personality profiles of major Wall Street players, this book is the definitive guide for anyone who works on the Street, invests, or simply wants to know about the state of the financial world today and its prospects for tomorrow.