Do investment banks pay bonuses in bad years?

Question

In a bad year for the markets (such as this one), can you expect a low bonus... or no bonus?

Answer 1

Right now, the investment are walking through the building and asking what are you contributing. If the answer is not positive, you can be on the streets.  Just offer this to alert you to the fact that "bonus" may not be the issue.  Many opera tons with banks have lost large amounts of money.  Investors are being give "returns" that are a lot less than putting their money in a coffee can!   So, bonus issue is very much an "it depends" answer.  West coast workers are really getting hit with head count reductions.

Answer 2

I work for one, and I still got a bonus.   It really depends on what your individual or team goals are. My team still met theirs so were in the $.  I do have to add in that many people did not earn one this year.