Investment Banking

Jefferies dealmaking fees slip as trade war weighs on capital markets

The US bank is viewed as a bellwether for larger Wall Street rivals

Richard Handler, chief executive of Jefferies, said that geopolitical events had affected capital markets transactions
Richard Handler, chief executive of Jefferies, said that geopolitical events had affected capital markets transactions Photo: Peter Foley/Getty Images

Jefferies’ first-quarter earnings slipped by 8% as the US’s ongoing trade war has weighed on deal activity in the first months of 2025.

The US investment bank, which reports numbers ahead of larger rivals, posted revenue of $1.6bn for the first quarter of 2025. This is down by 8% and missed analyst expectations of $1.9bn.

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