Goldman Sachs posted its best profit since the third quarter of 2021, driven by bankers who brought in more fees from dealmaking, debt sales and strength in trading, sending its shares up 3% before the bell.

JPMorgan, Wells Fargo, Goldman Sachs and Citi are kicking off earnings season on Wednesday with their December-quarter results.

Big bank profits surged in the fourth quarter and Wall Street roared back to life, with net income rising 50% at JPMorgan Chase and more than doubling at Goldman Sachs.

Goldman's fourth-quarter results will give investors a preview of what to expect this year, as investment banking and trading fees are both expected to rise.