Briefly

New York Atty. Gen. Eliot Spitzer said he is working “vigorously” with Merrill Lynch & Co. to settle allegations that the company misled investors with biased stock research. In an interview with CNBC on Monday, Spitzer said he is optimistic a settlement can be reached, though the two sides have faced “substantial” disagreements in talks over the last three weeks. He declined to be specific. Spitzer launched his case against Merrill in April.