Ticker Talk

Merrill Lynch said it created a new Web site for investors who want updated information on its so-called HOLDR securities, which are baskets of stocks in such sectors as biotech, banking, telecom, semiconductors and B2B Internet commerce. The HOLDR securities trade on the American Stock Exchange. The new Web site: https://www.holdrs.com. . . .

Maybe it’s the high dividend yields (often well above 6%, annualized), maybe it’s a general investor desire for more diversification. Whatever the reason, real estate investment trust shares continue to attract buyers. The Bloomberg index of 141 major REIT shares rose 0.4% on Tuesday to its highest level since mid-1999. The index has surged 24% from its low reached last December. Among REIT shares gaining on Tuesday: Simon Property Group (SPG), up 38 cents to $25.75; Kimco Realty (KIM), up 25 cents to $42.69; Vornado Realty (VNO), up 41 cents to $38.53; and Duke-Weeks Realty (DRE), up 13 cents to $24.06. . . .

Multibillionaire investor Warren Buffett returned home from the hospital Tuesday after surgery last week to remove a section of his colon that contained noncancerous polyps. His company, Berkshire Hathaway Inc., said no further treatment is required after last Wednesday’s surgery.

The 69-year-old Buffett plans to conduct business from his home for a short period as he regains strength, then return to the office.