CFTC worries merger with SEC may harm futures mkts

WASHINGTON, March 31 (Reuters) - A proposed merger of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission could bring some efficiencies, but it should be weighed against harming the competitive advantage of U.S. futures markets, the head of the CFTC said on Monday.

"Although the creation of a new unified regulator for securities and futures could bring efficiencies, the trade-offsof such a significant undertaking should be weighed carefully given these turbulent economic times and the competitive global advantage currently enjoyed by the U.S. futures industry," CFTC Acting Chairman Walt Lukken said in a statement in response to a government proposal to overhaul regulation of U.S. financial markets. (Reporting by Tom Dogget; Editing by David Gregorio)