Lunchtime Links: Deutsche says revenues in the second half of September were STRONG

Good news. Even while Brady Dougan has been talking about "lower volumes" and things being a "bit subdued," in the third quarter, Josef Ackermann has been painting a picture of vibrancy and optimism.

Whilst at a conference in London today, Ackermann said (publicly): "Thanks to a very strong second half of September, third quarter sales and trading revenues are at last year's levels, which as we all know have been pretty good."

SocGen says the third quarter was good for trading too. (Agefi )

Bank of America Merrill Lynch is laying off 20 to 30 proprietary traders, even though they were perfectly profitable. (The Times )

Lloyd Blankfein says Goldman could leave Europe due to regulation. (The Times )

A Goldman spokesman said later: "We have no intention of leaving Europe. (The Financial Times )

BarCap has added 8 MDs to its prime brokerage division in NY and one in London. (Financial News )

Don't even think of setting up a hedge fund in Dubai. (Financial Times )

Banking is out, now everyone wants to be an accountant. (Telegraph)

Two investment bankers will appear on the Apprentice this year. (Telegraph)

New MSc in private equity at the LSE. (LSE)

HSBC has no intention of moving its HQ from London to HK. (WSJ)

Goldman Sachs: environmental saviour. (WSJ)

Contest: ideas for the Goldman Sachs ad campaign. (Big Picture)

10 point plan for surviving a midlife crisis. (Guardian)