Profits are soaring at the nation's biggest banks, the result of a surging optimism in corporate America that's driving dealmaking and capital raising.

Why it matters: When business is humming at the nation's largest financial institutions, it generally reflects an economy that's in good shape.

By the numbers: JPMorgan Chase — the nation's biggest bank — delivered a record full-year profit of $58.5 billion, juiced by gains in its investment banking and consumer banking business.

• Goldman Sachs' fourth-quarter profit doubled to $4.1 billion from a year ago, also behind a surge in merger advisory fees and a record year for its stock-trading unit.

• Citigroup and Wells Fargo also beat estimates, showing strength across their business lines.

The big picture: The U.S. economy "has been resilient" in 2024, JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon noted Wednesday. And he and other bank executives said the tide of optimism's been rising even higher heading into the new year.

• "There has been a meaningful shift in CEO confidence, particularly following the results of the U.S. election," Goldman CEO David Solomon said on a call with analysts Wednesday.

• Wells CEO Charles Scharf said the bank is "enthusiastic about the opportunities" heading into 2025.

• Dimon said businesses are more optimistic about the economy, and "encouraged by expectations for a more progrowth agenda."

Reality check: Despite the record earnings and all the good vibes, executives also cautioned that uncertainties lie ahead.

• Solomon noted that while many people are focused on things like a lower regulatory touch, the incoming administration has a number of policy initiatives — in areas like trade, tax and energy — "that can all have an impact on market sentiment and the direction of travel."

• Dimon warned of persistent inflation driven by ongoing and future spending requirements. "Additionally, geopolitical conditions remain the most dangerous and complicated since World War II," he said.

The bottom line: For now, the big banks are riding high as the economy generates a healthy amount of dealmaking, trading, lending and investments.