Group 1 - The CEO of Goldman Sachs, David Solomon, believes that merger and acquisition (M&A) and IPO activities will find a comfortable level despite a slowdown in investment banking activities due to uncertainty [1][2] - Solomon warns that the current level of policy certainty is detrimental to both public and private markets, leading to increased cost management and potential layoffs among corporate executives [1] - Despite a weak start in Q2 and many IPOs being paused, Solomon remains hopeful for a rebound in M&A activity later this year or next year, noting an increase in private equity transactions and M&A deals over $500 million in Q1 [1] Group 2 - Solomon states that capital market activity in Q1 has increased year-over-year, although overall transaction activity remains below expectations [2] - The trading division of Goldman Sachs has benefited from uncertainty in the public markets, achieving record quarterly performance in the first three months of the year [2] - Solomon expresses optimism regarding potential relaxation of bank regulations from the U.S. Treasury and highlights improvements in growth prospects in Europe due to a major stimulus plan in Germany [2]