New York, Jan 17, 2026, 12:16 (EST) — Market closed.
Shares of Goldman Sachs dipped 1.4% on Friday, ending the session at $962. This pullback pared some of the previous day’s 4.6% surge, which followed the bank’s better-than-expected profits and a dividend increase. 1
The pullback comes as Wall Street enters a holiday-shortened week, with investors weighing if early earnings gains can outweigh renewed policy and rate concerns. “One of the other reasons markets have been flat-lining is we’re at the start of the earnings season,” said Anthony Saglimbene, chief market strategist at Ameriprise Financial. 2
Goldman Sachs posted fourth-quarter profits above expectations, fueled by record equity trading revenue and a rebound in dealmaking, though investment banking fees fell slightly short of estimates. CEO David Solomon told analysts, “The world is set up at the moment to be incredibly constructive in 2026 for M&A, or mergers and acquisitions, and capital markets.” Stephen Biggar of Argus Research described the dividend increase as “a powerful testament” to confidence in “sustainably higher earnings.” 3
Goldman Sachs reported Q4 net earnings of $4.62 billion, or $14.01 per share, on net revenues of $13.45 billion, according to an SEC filing. The board raised the quarterly dividend to $4.50 from $4.00, payable March 30 to shareholders of record March 2. The firm returned $16.78 billion in capital to common shareholders in 2025, mostly via buybacks. It also disclosed a markdown linked to the Apple Card loan portfolio as the program shifts to a new issuer, along with a related credit-loss reserve release. 4
Investors are keeping an eye on whether market volatility picks up following Friday’s monthly options expiration, a key calendar date that often alters short-term trading flows. Options, which grant the right to buy or sell stock at a predetermined price by a specific date, can drive shifts once they expire. “This options expiration will allow the S&P 500 to start moving around a bit more,” said SpotGamma founder Brent Kochuba. 5
The downside is straightforward: calmer markets tend to dampen client activity, and trading-driven earnings can quickly shrink if volatility eases. Deal flow might falter too, especially if financing costs climb or equity markets get volatile, while costs remain under scrutiny after a year marked by heavy spending and rising wages.
U.S. equities will reopen Tuesday following the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. 6
Looking ahead, traders are eyeing the Federal Reserve’s policy meeting set for Jan. 27-28. This event often jolts bank stocks, shifting with rate expectations and appetite for risk. 7
