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Wall Street Profits on Track for All-Time Record in 2026
The securities industry, among the most essential to New York City’s economy, came on strong in the first half of 2026, New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli reported Tuesday. With Wall Street profits up 51.3% year-over-year to $45.9 billion through June 30, exceeding the city’s full-year projection of $45.3 billion, profits could exceed a record $90 billion for the year if the pace is maintained.
DiNapoli also noted that industry jobs reached a record high in 2026 and expects the 2026 bonus pool to increase, compared with the city’s projection of a 20% decline.
“Wall Street is having an exceptionally strong year, fueled by a boom in artificial intelligence spending, increased merger and acquisition activity, and elevated trading volumes amid market volatility,” said DiNapoli. “Despite geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty, the industry has remained resilient. Barring a recession or major market disruption, strong profits should continue to provide an important boost to state and city revenue.”
DiNapoli’s report uses a traditional measure of the securities industry’s performance: pretax profits of the broker/dealer operations of New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) member firms. There are 168 NYSE member firms, down from more than 200 before the global financial crisis.
- ◦Economy
