Limits on Exec Bonuses May Backfire

An 11th-hour limit on Wall Street bonuses in the stimulus bill could ultimately hurt the economy, experts say. In a surprise move, they curb not only senior executives’ pay but also traders, investment bankers, and others, the Los Angeles Times reports. “This will make it difficult to attract and retain top salespeople, the lifeblood of any company,” said a DC financial advocate.

The plan could push companies to raise executives’ salaries, or it could drive industry leaders away from targeted firms and perhaps overseas, he said. But other analysts disagree. “These are the guys who presided over more than $1 trillion in US losses. Do they really think foreign companies are eager to hire them?” asked one. The Obama administration had proposed much looser pay limits, and some say the president may aim to alter the measure.
(More economic stimulus package stories.)