Wall Street profits surge as inflation and card debt stay elevated

Profits at New York Stock Exchange member firms reached $45.9B in the first half of 2026, up 51.3% from a year earlier and above the $45.3B New York City had forecast for the full year. This is all while inflation and card debt stay elevated.

Wall Street profits surge as inflation and card debt stay elevated

TL;DR

  • New York Stock Exchange member firms reported $45.9 billion in profits in the first half of 2026.
  • This represents a 51.3% increase compared to the same period in the previous year.
  • The first-half profits surpassed New York City's full-year forecast of $45.3 billion.
  • These gains were achieved while inflation and card debt remained at elevated levels.