Investing in securities involves risks, and there is always the potential of losing money when you invest in securities.

Opinions expressed are subject to change. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated offers a broad range of brokerage, investment advisory (including financial planning), banking, trust, mortgage and other financial services and products. The nature and degree of advice and assistance provided, the fees charged, and client rights and Merrill Lynch’s obligations will differ among these services.

Any information presented is general in nature and is not intended to provide personal investment advice. The investments or strategies presented do not take into account the investment objectives or financial needs of particular investors. It is important that you consider this information in the context of your personal risk tolerance and investment goals.

Asset allocation, diversification and rebalancing do not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets.

Any information presented about tax considerations affecting client financial transactions or arrangements is not intended as tax advice and should not be relied upon for the purpose of avoiding any tax penalties. Neither Merrill Lynch nor its Financial Advisors provide tax, accounting or legal advice. Clients should review any planned financial transactions or arrangements that may have tax, accounting or legal implications with their personal professional advisors.

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management makes available products and services offered by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (MLPF&S) and other subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation.

Trust and fiduciary services are provided by Merrill Lynch Trust Company, a division of Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Insurance and annuity products are offered through Merrill Lynch Life Agency Inc., a licensed insurance agency.

Banking products are provided by Bank of America, N.A. and affiliated banks, Members FDIC and wholly owned subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation.

Bank of America, N.A., Merrill Lynch Life Agency Inc and MLPF&S, a registered broker-dealer and Member SIPC, are wholly owned subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation.

Investment products, insurance and annuity products:

MLPF&S and Bank of America, N.A. make available investment products sponsored, managed, distributed or provided by companies that are affiliates of Bank of America Corporation or in which Bank of America Corporation has a substantial economic interest, including Columbia Management, BlackRock and Nuveen Investments.

BofA Merrill Lynch Global Research is equity research produced by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and/or one or more of its non-U.S. affiliates.