Jan 29 (Reuters) - Raymond James Financial ( RJF )

reported a 19.5% rise in first-quarter profit on Wednesday,

bolstered by strong performance in its capital markets and

wealth management businesses.

The results extend a sturdy performance by U.S. banks in the

last three months of 2024 on expectations of a more friendlier

regulatory environment under President Donald Trump for deals

and offerings.

Bankers now expect global deal volumes to surpass $4

trillion this year, the highest in four years.

Quarterly net revenue jumped 14% to about $2.55 billion in

the firm's private client group unit, primarily driven by higher

asset management and related administrative fees and brokerage

revenue.

Capital markets revenue climbed 42% over last year to $480

million, while total investment banking revenue jumped 80% to

$325 million.

Investment banking revenue at Wall Street giants Morgan

Stanley ( MS ) and Goldman Sachs ( GS ) jumped 25% and 24%,

respectively, during the same period.

Adjusted net income available to common shareholders rose to

$614 million, or $2.93 per share, from $514 million, or $2.40

per share, a year earlier, Raymond James said.