Bank of America CEO sees stronger 2026 economy, says Wall Street may be underestimating growth

Bank of America raises 2026 GDP forecast to 2.8%, well above market consensus

One of America’s largest banks says the U.S. economy could be stronger than many investors expect and suggests Wall Street may be underestimating growth potential under current economic policies.

Bank of America (BofA) raised its 2026 GDP growth forecast from 2.6% to 2.8%, striking a bullish tone well above market consensus.

CEO Brian Moynihan outlined the upgraded outlook in a Monday interview with FOX Business’ Maria Bartiromo in Davos, Switzerland.

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Brian Moynihan on Fox Business Network

Bank of America Chairman and CEO Brian Moynihan appears on the FOX Business Network on March 27, 2025, in New York City. (Photo by John Lamparski/Getty Images / Getty Images)

"What’s behind that move is a belief that there are more good things happening in the U.S. economy in 2026 than we thought earlier this year," Moynihan said.

 "So we moved from 2.6% growth to 2.8%, which is well above the general consensus."

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Signage at a Bank of America branch in New York

Signage at a Bank of America branch in New York, on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Moynihan said while the outlook reflects a generally positive view from the bank’s research team, he emphasized that client activity also influences the firm’s economic perspective.

He noted early January spending and seasonal patterns have shown signs of strength, reflecting resilient consumer behavior.

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He added that credit conditions and earnings results among large banks have been solid, which he interpreted as supportive of economic growth prospects in 2026.