Bank of America CEO Moynihan’s 2026 Forecast: Economic Growth Ahead, But Brace for ’Risks’

Wall Street's crystal ball just got a major polish—from one of its most traditional keepers.

The Bullish Case from a Banking Titan

Brian Moynihan, steering the ship at Bank of America, isn't hitting the panic button. His latest outlook for 2026 paints a picture of expansion, not contraction. The message cuts through the typical banker-speak: the economy's engine is still running.

Reading Between the Risk Lines

But that forecast doesn't come without its classic caveats. Moynihan's statement is peppered with the requisite mentions of 'risks'—the kind of vague, all-purpose disclaimer that lets analysts nod sagely without committing to anything. It's the financial world's favorite get-out-of-jail-free card.

The Real Signal for Digital Assets

Here's the kicker for crypto: when traditional finance captains talk growth, they're describing a rising tide. Institutional money, already dipping its toes, starts looking for the next wave. A growing traditional economy doesn't stifle digital assets—it often fuels the search for higher-yielding, non-correlated alternatives. Watch for capital to bypass old gatekeepers in search of new frontiers.

So, take the bullish prediction, acknowledge the managed-risk boilerplate, and then look past it. The real story isn't about guarding the vault; it's about what happens when the walls around it start to feel optional.

Key Takeaways

• Brian Moynihan, CEO of Bank of America, said he expects "further economic growth in the year ahead," though with "any number of risks" looming.
• His comments were similar in tone to those from JPMorgan Chase's Jamie Dimon, shared yesterday.

A second big-bank CEO in as many days is sharing upbeat sentiment about the U.S. economy.

Bank of America's (BAC) Brian Moynihan on Wednesday said while reporting the bank's latest quarterly financial results that he expects "further economic growth in the year ahead."

The statement followed comments yesterday from JPMorgan Chase (JPM) chief Jamie Dimon, who referenced a "resilient" economy but also highlighted a set of "hazards," including inflation and geopolitical risks, that he thought markets were underappreciating.

"With consumers and businesses proving resilient, as well as the regulatory environment and tax and trade policies coming into sharper focus, we expect further economic growth in the year ahead," Moynihan said in a statement. "While any number of risks continue, we are bullish on the U.S. economy in 2026."

Why This Matters to Investors

Broadly speaking, Wall Street's outlook for 2026 remains bullish, with many banks expecting stocks to continue their rise this year. Still, several experts warn of the possibility of volatility along the way. Here's Investopedia's preview of what could happen with the stock market this year.

This week brings several new economic readings, including today's reports on retail sales for November, which ROSE year-over-year, and wholesale inflation, which ticked higher between September and November.

Tuesday's release of the December CPI report on consumer inflation showed the measure rising 2.7% year-over-year, in line with what economists expected.

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Bank of America said fourth-quarter net income, revenue and net interest income—the profit earned on the bank's credit products minus the interest paid to depositors—all rose.

Meanwhile, other major U.S. banks are reporting this week. Wells Fargo (WFC) and Citigroup (C) also reported Wednesday; Goldman Sachs (GS) and Morgan Stanley (MS) are due to announce Thursday, as is financial services giant BlackRock (BLK).

Bank of America's shares were down more than 4% late Wednesday morning. The KBW index of big banks, meanwhile, was off 1.3%. Read Investopedia's full coverage of today's trading here.