<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> BD
<CIK> 0000890015
<NAME> ML SECTOR STRATEGY FUND V LP
<S> <C> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-2000 DEC-31-1999
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-2000 JAN-01-1999
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-2000 JUN-30-1999
<CASH> 0 0
<RECEIVABLES> 6,783,231 9,127,345
<SECURITIES-RESALE> 0 0
<SECURITIES-BORROWED> 0 0
<INSTRUMENTS-OWNED> 0 0
<PP&E> 0 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 6,783,231 9,127,345
<SHORT-TERM> 0 0
<PAYABLES> 70,433 88,920
<REPOS-SOLD> 0 0
<SECURITIES-LOANED> 0 0
<INSTRUMENTS-SOLD> 0 0
<LONG-TERM> 0 0
0 0
0 0
<COMMON> 0 0
<OTHER-SE> 6,712,798 9,038,425
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 6,783,231 9,127,345
<TRADING-REVENUE> 0 0
<INTEREST-DIVIDENDS> 0 0
<COMMISSIONS> 0 0
<INVESTMENT-BANKING-REVENUES> (132,153) 10,329
<FEE-REVENUE> 0 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0 0
<COMPENSATION> 0 0
<INCOME-PRETAX> (132,153) 10,329
<INCOME-PRE-EXTRAORDINARY> (132,153) 10,329
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0 0
<CHANGES> 0 0
<NET-INCOME> (132,153) 10,329
<EPS-BASIC> (2.40) 0.15
<EPS-DILUTED> (2.40) 0.15
</TABLE>