Pfft... all this talk of massive city bonuses. I'm hardly going to retire on my lousy bonus. Anyone else have any views?

I think you're hardly going to retire on your lousy bonus, too.

If you read the financial press you will notice that alot of the big IBs are shedding staff and those who are left (GS being the exception as always) are finding their bonuses much reduced. Although obviously still in phone number territory...

How big are these mysterious "city bonuses", typically? £100K mark or £1M mark? Most consultants I know get a couple of £K and that's it. I got £400. Yes, that's £400 with one four and two zeros.

Dont be quick to generalise the whole industry for a little blip in one of the sectors. And dont be fooled by the BBC either - they just want you to watch the news. The areas affected are indeed various - but most of them revolve around debt devisions (LEV, credit etc). Equity divisions ( M&A, trading, sales etc) are still going on strong - and are reaching record highs.Bonuses in IB M&A range from about 40k for an analyst out of uni to about 5£m for good MDs at top brackets. I wouldnt comment on head of teams, partners etc because that would be speculation. Not everyone works at Northern Rock.

very insightful and helpful..