Morgan Stanley today reported record second quarter results, as income from continuing operations rose 41% to US$2.6 billion, compared with the same quarter a year ago.

Net revenues were a record US$11.5 billion, 32% above last year’s second quarter. Non-interest expenses of US$7.6 billion increased 31% from last year. The annualized return on average common equity from continuing operations was 27.5% in the current quarter, compared with 23.7% in the second quarter of 2006.

During the quarter, the Institutional Securities division achieved record net revenues of US$7.4 billion, up 39% from last year. Investment Banking had record results, with revenues of US$1.7 billion, a 65% increase from the second quarter of 2006. Advisory revenues and underwriting revenues both reached record highs. Equity sales and trading delivered record revenues of US$2.2 billion, up 33% from last year, reflecting record results in Prime Brokerage and Derivatives.

Additionally, fixed income sales and trading revenues increased 34% to US$2.9 billion, the second-best quarter ever in this business. Global Wealth Management delivered its fifth consecutive quarter of improved performance. Asset Management recorded net customer inflows of US$9.3 billion – more than double the prior quarter. Assets under management reached US$560 billion at quarter-end, a 23% increase from a year ago.

For the first six months of 2007, income from continuing operations was a record US$5.14 billion, a 50% increase from a year ago. Net revenues rose 31% to a record US$22.5 billion and non-interest expenses increased 24% to US$14.8 billion. The annualized return on average common equity from continuing operations was 28.2%, compared with 22.8% a year ago.

John Mack, chairman and CEO, said, “Morgan Stanley delivered record revenues and earnings in the second quarter and the first half of the year, as we continued to build momentum across our securities businesses and continued to see the benefits of our diverse mix of products, clients and businesses around the globe. Thanks to the commitment and focus of our people, we’ve now achieved seven straight quarters with ROE above 20%, and we’re well on our way to reaching our goal of doubling 2005 earnings over five years. But we believe there is still work that remains to be done, and we remain intensely focused on delivering value to Morgan Stanley’s clients and shareholders over the long term.”