<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> BD
<CIK> 0000917259
<NAME> ML PRINCIPAL PROTECTION LP
<S> <C> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-2000 DEC-31-1999
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-2000 JAN-01-1999
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-2000 SEP-30-1999
<CASH> 0 1,821
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<SHORT-TERM> 0 0
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<LONG-TERM> 0 0
0 0
0 0
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<OTHER-SE> 26,963,720 51,490,765
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 28,513,961 56,572,262
<TRADING-REVENUE> (813,059) 670,487
<INTEREST-DIVIDENDS> 763,760 2,604,988
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<INCOME-PRETAX> (1,465,226) (315,623)
<INCOME-PRE-EXTRAORDINARY> (1,465,226) (315,623)
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0 0
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<NET-INCOME> (1,465,226) (315,623)
<EPS-BASIC> (4.43) (0.51)
<EPS-DILUTED> (4.43) (0.51)
</TABLE>