Wall Street banks have reported a strong second quarter, driven by a surge in initial public offerings (IPOs) and mergers and acquisitions (M&A). This has led to a significant increase in profits for big banks, with some outlets suggesting that trading and investment banking activities have been key factors in their success. The performance of certain banks, including Goldman Sachs, has been particularly notable, with some reports highlighting their involvement in major deals and the impact of emerging trends such as artificial intelligence.