Wall Street banker bonuses forecast to rise 35% this year

Surge caused by rebound in market activity very likely to influence payouts for European outposts of banks

Bonuses for Wall Street's investment bankers are forecast to jump as much as 35% this year - although experts have warned that payouts could be knocked by stock market volatility and an economic slowdown in the US.

Fresh predictions suggest that staff across a range of financial firms - including hedge funds, asset managers and investment banks - will see payouts rise for the first time in two years. It follows a rebound in business confidence and market activity, with companies more willing to take risks amid easing inflation that has started to translate into lower borrowing costs.