Merrill Lynch today reported a first quarter net loss of almost $US2 billion on continued writedowns.

The firm reported a net loss from continuing operations for the first quarter of 2008 of $US1.97 billion, compared to net earnings from continuing operations of $US2 billion for the first quarter of 2007.

Net revenues were $US2.9 billion, down 69% from the prior-year period, primarily due to net writedowns totaling $US1.5 billion related to US ABS CDOs, and credit valuation adjustments of negative $US3 billion related to hedges with financial guarantors, most of which related to U.S. super senior ABS CDOs.

To a lesser extent, net revenues were also impacted by net writedowns related to leveraged finance and residential mortgage exposures, which were offset by a net benefit of $US2.1 billion due to the impact of the widening of Merrill Lynch’s credit spreads on the carrying value of certain of long-term debt liabilities.

Excluding these write-downs, credit valuation adjustments and the net benefit related to long-term debt liabilities, net revenues were $US7.4 billion, down 26% from the prior-year period.

“Despite this quarter’s loss, Merrill Lynch’s underlying businesses produced solid results in a difficult market environment,” said John Thain, chairman and chief executive officer. “The firm’s $US82 billion excess liquidity pool has increased from year-end levels, and we remain well-capitalized. In addition, our global franchise is positioned strongly for the future, and we continue to invest in key growth areas and regions.”

On the news, Fitch Ratings affirmed its ratings on Merrill Lynch, but the outlook is negative. The ratings affirmation is based on several considerations, the firm said, including: solid first-quarter performance by its wealth management businesses, recent capital raising efforts, and earnest liquidity management. Fitch said it maintains its negative outlook, however, in light of other factors, namely, earnings viability, risk management efficacy, sustainability of liquidity, and leverage.