Goldman Sachs CEO says markets will 'settle down' after a 'reset of expectations'

Core Viewpoint - Financial markets are expected to stabilize and see an increase in mergers and public listings despite current uncertainties [1][9]. Group 1: Market Activity and Expectations - The CEO of Goldman Sachs, David Solomon, believes that financial markets will eventually settle down, leading to an anticipated rise in mergers and initial public offerings (IPOs) [1][6]. - Solomon indicated that the first quarter of 2025 experienced higher capital market activity compared to the same quarter last year, suggesting potential for increased deal-making later in the year if uncertainties do not persist [8]. Group 2: Impact of Policy Uncertainty - Solomon expressed concerns that the current level of policy uncertainty, particularly related to tariffs under President Trump's administration, is negatively affecting economic growth and investment [2][3]. - He noted that as uncertainty grows, capital activity may decline, with corporations potentially increasing layoffs and tightening budgets in anticipation of economic downturns [2][3]. Group 3: Corporate Sentiment - Conversations with CEOs and clients reveal a trend of holding back on investments due to heightened uncertainty, indicating a cautious approach among corporations [3].