Portfolio Update

Merrill Lynch Commodities Income IT 24 May 2006 MERRILL LYNCH COMMODITIES INCOME INVESTMENT TRUST plc All information is at 30 April 2006 and unaudited. Performance at month end is calculated on a capital only basis One One Since Month Month Launch* Net asset value 2.2% 7.3% 15.1% Share price 4.8% 12.5% 20.7% *Launched on 13 December 2005. Sources: Merrill Lynch Investment Managers and Datastream. At month end Net asset value: 111.67p Share price: 119.50p Premium to NAV: 7.0% Total assets: £86.0m Gearing: 3.85% Ordinary shares in issue: 75,000,000 Sector Weightings % of Total Assets Country Analysis % of Total Assets Diversified 18.0 Europe 24.0 Integrated Oil 16.1 Canada 22.7 Copper 7.8 USA 18.3 Exploration & production 7.1 Australia 13.6 Iron Ore 7.0 South Africa 6.7 Coal 7.0 Latin America 6.5 Oil Sands 6.1 China 5.8 Nickel 5.8 Kazakhstan 2.1 Aluminium 5.6 Russia 1.5 Platinum 5.5 Asia 1.0 Oil Services 3.2 Current Liabilities (2.2) Refining and Marketing 2.9 ------ Mineral Sands 2.5 Total 100.0 Zinc 2.4 ------ Distribution 1.7 Gold 1.5 Diamonds 1.3 Tin 0.7 Current Liabilities (2.2) ------ Total 100.0 ------ Ten Largest Equity Investments Company Region of Risk Anglo American Global BHP Billiton Global Canadian Oil Sands Canada China Shenhua Energy China Cia Vale Rio Doce Latin America Fording Canadian Coal Trust Canada Impala Platinum Holdings South Africa Peyto Energy Trust Canada Precision Drilling Canada Rio Tinto Europe Commenting on the markets, Richard Davis, representing the Investment Manager noted: Oil prices added another 7.9% in April, ending the month above $70 per barrel. The focus remained on Iran, whose 4.5% of global oil supply is perceived to be threatened by the developing geopolitical situation. On 9 April, President Ahmadinejad announced that his country had 'joined the nuclear club' by enriching uranium, and amid the ensuing speculation of US-led military action, the price of oil reached $74 per barrel. Other factors include ongoing supply disruptions in Nigeria, Iraq and Venezuela. Initial announcements of first quarter results in the energy sector were marked by healthy refining margins, and better-than-expected margins and volumes among oil service companies. The mining sector performed well in April, on the back of strong rises in commodity prices. The weaker than expected quarterly production data from Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton highlight some of the issues in the supply chain. Unforeseeable events such as the inclement weather in Australia, accidents at ports and operational problems meant bulk commodity production in the first quarter failed to meet the market's expectations. Exports in Australian iron ore were down 3.2% year on year and coal exports were down 2.0%. As one of the largest coal and iron ore exporters, this could have a significant impact on an already tight market. In May, sentiment turned sharply negative, prompted by concerns about higher interest rates. There resulted a broad-based liquidation across the mining and energy sectors. In our view, the sell-off does not reflect any material change in the long-term fundamentals for commodities. Demand for raw materials remains strong, supply growth will be constrained going forward and inventories are at low levels. Latest information is available by typing www.mlim.co.uk/its on the internet, 'MLIMINDEX' on Reuters, 'MLIM' on Bloomberg or '8800' on Topic 3 (ICV terminal). 24 May 2006 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
UK 100

Latest directors dealings