Wall Street's $45.9 billion first half, up 51.3%

$45.9 billion. That's what Wall Street securities firms that trade stocks and bonds earned before tax in first-half 2026, up from $30.4 billion a year earlier, the State Comptroller reported Oct. 6, 2026. The office forecasts over $90 billion for the full year. I'm cautious: profits driven by trading can reverse quickly, and a forecast is not a result.