Big U.S. Banks Slashed 8,000 More Jobs Before Tax-Cut Windfall
ByBig U.S. Banks Slashed 8,000 More Jobs Before Tax-Cut Windfall
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Taking Stock of the State of U.S. Financials
America’s biggest banks just spent a week regaling shareholders about brighter days ahead, when tax cuts add billions of dollars to the firms’ annual profits. About 8,000 people are getting left behind.
The nation’s six largest banks shrank their combined workforce at the fastest pace in two years during the final quarter of 2017, according to figures disclosed in earnings reports since Friday. Citigroup Inc. and Wells Fargo & Co. eliminated the most positions, while JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Goldman Sachs Group Inc. added some.
Missing the Tax Heyday
The six largest U.S. banks collectively cut the most jobs in two years at the end of 2017
Source: Company filings.
Note: Figures reflect change in combined headcount at Bank of America, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, Morgan Stanley and Wells Fargo.
The staff reductions occurred as Republicans and President Donald Trump’s White House finished a tax overhaul that will benefit banks more than most other industries. While some of the six top firms said they may dole out special bonuses to staff or boost minimum wages, most emphasized that shareholders will be the main recipients of the windfall.
The six firms have shed almost 150,000 jobs since the high-water mark in 2011. That amounts to a 12 percent cut as banks have sold off some units and look to automate more roles.
Read more: The bankers who privately fret about gutting their staffs