Morgan Stanley's investment banking revenue rose 25% to $1.64 billion, echoing results at rivals Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan, which also reported stronger profit on Wednesday. Wall Street banks benefited from a surge in mergers and acquisitions in the fourth quarter that boosted investment banking fees.

Morgan Stanley said its profit more than doubled in the fourth quarter, fueled by its investment banking and trading businesses. Profit surged 145% to $3.71 billion. That amounted to $2.22 per share,

Morgan Stanley’s traders beat analysts’ estimates in the fourth quarter, joining their other Wall Street rivals in reporting a strong end to the year on volatility tied to the US elections and economic data in the final months of 2024.

Profits at Bank of America (BAC) and Morgan Stanley (MS) more than doubled in the fourth quarter, signaling a strong 2024 for Big Banks. Stephen Biggar, director of financial services research at Argus Research,

Morgan Stanley’s stock outpaced gains in other financial stocks Thursday, after the bank and broker forecast a robust flow of deals as it beat both profit and revenue expectations for the latest quarter.

Morgan Stanley’s institutional securities group, which houses its investment banking and trading businesses, reported revenue of $7.3 billion in the fourth quarter, a 49% jump from $4.9 billion a year earlier.

CNBC's Leslie Picker joins 'Squawk Box ' to report on the company's quarterly earnings results.