Key facts
- Goldman Sachs reported a second-quarter profit of US$6.63 billion, or US$20.98 per share, a substantial increase from the previous year.
- Equities trading revenue reached a record US$7.42 billion, up 72% year-over-year.
- Investment banking fees climbed 55% to US$3.40 billion, boosted by record M&A advisory volumes.
- Asset and wealth management revenue grew 20% to US$4.60 billion.
- Compensation costs for Goldman Sachs' international business rose 21% in the first six months of 2026.
Goldman Sachs reported a significant increase in profit for the second quarter of 2026, driven by a surge in equities trading revenue and a strong performance in its investment banking and advisory divisions. The bank's equities business saw revenue jump 72% to US$7.42 billion, while fixed income, currency, and commodities revenue rose 32% to US$4.59 billion. Investment banking fees increased by 55% to US$3.40 billion, fueled by record merger and acquisition advisory volumes, including advising on over US$1 trillion in announced deals in the first half of the year. The asset and wealth management division also contributed with a 20% revenue increase to US$4.60 billion. Total profit for the quarter reached US$6.63 billion, or US$20.98 per share. In line with revenue gains, Goldman Sachs increased compensation costs for its international business by 21% in the first six months of 2026. Analysts noted that market volatility, elevated oil prices, and uncertainty over U.S. interest rates contributed to investor activity, boosting trading desks. The highly anticipated IPO of SpaceX also provided an additional lift to trading volumes, with Goldman Sachs serving as a lead underwriter. The bank's results, alongside those of peers like JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America, are being parsed for signals on the broader economic outlook and the health of the banking sector.