In Brief: Moody's Reviewing Bankers Trust's Ratings

Moody's Investors Service Wednesday placed the ratings of Bankers Trust Corp. on review for possible downgrade.

The ratings agency said it would focus on Bankers Trust's exposures to emerging markets and the potential for further losses stemming from credit and market risks. The bank on Tuesday reported a $350 million pretax loss related to a writedown of Russian securities. The loss is expected to cause a net loss for the third quarter.

Moody's currently rates Bankers Trust's senior debt A2.

For years the bank has been trying to lessen its reliance on market- related income by building its asset-management business.

Moody's said its review will consider how well the bank can withstand turmoil in the financial markets and study the company's ability to generate more predictable earnings.

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