Goldman has worst quarter since going public

NEW YORK The world's largest investment bank reported third-quarter profit plunged 71 percent from the year-ago period. Goldman's results reflect continuing damage from the ongoing credit crisis that has already vanquished three of its rivals.

The New York-based investment bank posted a profit of 810 million dollars, or $1.81 per share, after paying preferred dividends.

The results beat Wall Street projections for $1.71 per share, according to analysts polled by Thomson Reuters. Revenue fell short of the 6.23 billion dollars expected by analysts.