Is investment-banking activity coming back? 

Wall Street banks have been waiting for M&A, IPOs, and other fee-generating corporate dealmaking to come roaring back for two years. There are finally signs activity is picking up.

When Jefferies reported Q2 earnings in June, it said investment-banking revenues grew 8.6% from the previous quarter and 59.4% from the same quarter last year across all business lines. Jefferies is much smaller than JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs, but its earnings are still closely watched as an indication of what’s to come.

Will Jamie Dimon share more details about his impending retirement?

In May, the CEO shocked Wall Street by saying he plans to step down in the next five years. As Wall Street’s longest running and best known CEO, his replacement and what he plans to do next are big dinner-table topics.

Will banks start charging for everyday consumer products like checking accounts?

Last week, Marianne Lake, CEO of JPMorgan Chase’s consumer and community banking, suggested banks could start charging for things that are currently free. That includes checking accounts and financial planning tools.

What’s going on with AI?

We’re always watching for news on AI adoption, including how the tech might help companies maximize their potential and cut costs. Last quarter, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink said AI has helped the asset manager increase productivity without increasing headcount.