The junk desk of FleetBoston Financial is reportedly weighing a move from New York, either to the firm's Boston headquarters or to another branch office, according to high-yield officials on the buy- and sell-sides who have spoken with people at the firm. Calls to Scott Vallar, one of the heads of the New York operation, and John Agnew, trading head, were not returned. Rivals say the move could conceivably be part of a cost-cutting drive although this could not be confirmed.
Separately,Drew Hall, a senior salesman, has left FleetBoston to take a similar position at Miller Tabak Roberts Securities, according to high-yield traders at rivals and on the buy-side. They say Miller Tabak is seeking to make a few additions to its high-yield sales force. Hall could not be reached, and Robert Schoenthal, senior managing director and ceo at Miller Tabak, did not return calls.