bonuses

Lean Bonus Season Ahead for Wall Street Bankers

With unemployment still high, late mortgage payments rising, and the number of Americans in poverty at record levels, it seems that Main Street is headed for a hard, cold holiday season. But, somewhat surprisingly, so too are the fat cats of Wall Street -- relatively speaking.

This May Be the Best Way to Put CEO Pay in Perspective

To wrap your head around how much someone like Larry Ellison makes, try comparing his compensation to the median income of an American household -- $49,777. His 2008 take of $543 million is the equivalent of the annual earnings of 10,908 average American families. Got that?

The Hidden Cost of Big Wall Street Bonuses to Society

Though most Americans wish that Congress would rein in excessive pay on Wall Street, that won't happen while the huge campaign contributions keep flowing. And the financial industry's big money shell game drains away something more precious from our society than money -- it siphons off talent.

Bank of America May Pay Employee Bonuses in Stock

As Bank of America continues to cope with fallout from the housing and mortgage crisis, the financial institution may have to pay some year-end employee bonuses in the form of stock because of a possible cash shortfall related to its buy-back of stock from the federal government.

Wall Street Compensation to Hit New High

Pay on Wall Street is on pace to break a record high for a second consecutive year, growing an average of 4% in 2010 at the 35 top financial institutions and rising faster than revenues.

Wal-Mart to Cut Profit Sharing, Increase Potential Retirement Benefits

Wal-Mart Stores, the world's largest retailer, is ending its 39-year-old policy of automatic profit sharing for employees. It's replacing the bonuses with retirement benefits which could increase employees' total compensation, but employees are only eligible if they pay into their plans.

Wall Street Bonuses Jump 19% in 2009

While Main Street struggles, Wall Street uncorks the chompers. Its employees saw their bonuses increase by 17% in 2009, according to new estimates. But there's a hitch: Bonuses for top executives will come in stock options and other forms of deferred compensation -- not cash.

Rocker Billy Bragg Declares War on Banker Bonuses

Rabble-rousing musician Billy Bragg is urging U.K. citizens to withhold their taxes unless the government stops the Royal Bank of Scotland from awarding $2.4 billion in bonuses to its bankers. After a bailout, RBS is now government owned.