Profits across the US securities industry reached $45.9 billion in the first half of 2026, putting Wall Street on track to set a new annual record, according to a report released by New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli. The industry has benefited from a revival in dealmaking, strong trading revenues driven by market volatility, resilient loan growth and a resurgence in initial public offerings (IPOs), boosting performance across most major Wall Street businesses.
Securities industry profits had already reached a record $65.1 billion in 2025, marking an increase of more than 30% from the previous year. Profits in the first half of 2026 were up 51.3% compared with the same period a year earlier. If the industry maintains its current pace through the remainder of the year, annual profits could surpass $90 billion, exceeding even the inflation-adjusted record levels recorded in 2009, the report said.
Wall Street continues to be a major pillar of New York City’s economy, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs and generating substantial tax revenue. The securities industry contributed at least $7.8 billion to the city’s budget in fiscal year 2026, an increase of 15.8% from the previous year. The strong performance of the sector highlights the continued importance of financial markets to both New York City and the broader US economy.
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