Big Banks Run Aground On Trading Revenue During Volatile Third Quarter, But Many Eke Out Earnings Gains

Goldman Sachs dealt investors a disappointing hand Thursday, with quarterly profits down 36 percent from a year ago. The bank's lackluster showing comes as the nation's largest lenders reported slumping trading volumes amid global market instability. Yet despite falling revenues, particularly in bond, currency and commodities trading, some major lenders managed to post higher profits.