This, however, was slightly offset by a $700 million decline in retail assets, to $333.2 billion.

Analysts noted that about a third of the gain in retail assets came from the addition of two new funds.

The retail assets of the venerable retail giant include 250 stores, 10 warehouses and the company's Chicago headquarters.

The site also allows businesses to combine their manufacturing and retail assets under one roof.

SAB no longer holds any manufacturing or retail assets.

The firm's retail assets that are under management increased to more than $59 billion at the end of the quarter.

It has entered the magazine arena with its retail assets in tow at just the right time, advertising executives said.

For major shareholders, the idea of having a pure stake in Morgan Stanley's retail assets is just as distasteful.

Institutional assets grew $170 million, to $166 billion, while retail assets declined $795 million, to $326.8 billion.

The company also owns retail assets throughout the US.