Some firms, like Prudential-Bache Securities Inc. which had hoped to ride out the downturn by paring unprofitable businesses, are now abandoning lines they once viewed as essential, like investment banking.

• 有些公司，例如普天寿—贝池证券公司曾希望以逐渐削减没有利润的生意的方式度过不景气，现在放弃商业融资等原来以为必要的营业。