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NEW YORK - DECEMBER 21: A Wall Street sign is seen in front of the New York Stock Exchange December 21, 2006 in New York City. Wall Street's top financial firms' soaring profits this year have pushed bonuses for Wall Street executives to a record $23.9 billion, a 17% leap from last year's bonus pool of $20.5 billion. Four of the top five brokerage houses posted record earnings this year, led by Goldman Sachs, whose income jumped 68% over 2005. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

NEW YORK - DECEMBER 21:  A Wall Street sign is seen in front of the New York Stock Exchange December 21, 2006 in New York City. Wall Street's top financial firms' soaring profits this year have pushed bonuses for Wall Street executives to a record $23.9 billion, a 17% leap from last year's bonus pool of $20.5 billion. Four of the top five brokerage houses posted record earnings this year, led by Goldman Sachs, whose income jumped 68% over 2005.  (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)