As U.S. stock markets re-opened today, Merrill Lynch reported smooth operational activity across all business lines. Transaction volume was normal, with financial advisors reporting that individual investors were calm and not selling.

Merrill Lynch Investment Managers, the firm’s asset management arm, also reported orderly trading and buying interest in both equity and fixed-income products. Debt and equity trading capabilities, which were relocated to New Jersey after last week’s events, are functional and trading was considered orderly. Call centers experienced substantially higher call volume from retail clients – approximately 50% more than usual.

The firm said alternative locations in the tri-state area have been established for approximately 90% of its affected employees. “Thanks to around-the-clock work on the part of our relocation and technology teams, the firm is providing more than 8,000 displaced employees with fully operational workspaces,” says Stanley O’Neal, president and COO.

Merrill Lynch EVP James Gorman indicated that the next 40 hours it is critical for financial advisors to be calm when guiding investors and help them through the overflow of information they are receiving. “Investors need to understand that you invest based upon discipline, financial discipline, not based upon an event.”