COMMING THIS WEEK

Merrill Lynch & Co., the biggest U.S. brokerage, and other Wall Street firms this week are set to report their biggest profits since last year’s second quarter, as rising stock markets and a rebound in debt underwriting boosted business around the world.

Due to a surge in stock prices that has powered the Dow beyond 10,000, Merrill is expected to earn $1.22 a share in the first quarter. Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette Inc., Paine Webber Group Inc. and Bear Stearns Cos. results also should show they’ve bounced back from the debt-market plunge that slowed underwriting and crushed profits in 1998.

For more business and economic events scheduled this week, see C2.