http://quote.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000006&sid=ahCFNWhszkQk&refer=home Jan. 9 (Bloomberg) -- The worst year for U.S. stocks since 2002 was far from a bust for Wall Street's biggest firms. They're making more money from equity trading than ever before, feeding hedge fund demand for derivatives and expanding in Europe and Asia to tap better returns. --RS
It would be better if those firms' profitability occured during a raging bull market, similar to the late-1990's, when the general public was making money. The S&P-500 treaded water last year. The bankers and traders should keep quiet about their bonuses until the general market has a double-digit gain year.