Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan said Wednesday that consumers are continuing to spend and economic growth should be solid though slower this year. From a numbers standpoint, that means gross domestic product growth this year of closer to 2% from recent trends closer to 3%, according to the CEO.
Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan joins 'Squawk Box' to discuss the state of the economy, health of the American consumer, the Fed's inflation fight, rate path outlook, impact of tariffs and policy uncertainty, the debanking concerns within the banking industry, President Trump's economic agenda, regulatory outlook, and more.
In the most recent trading session, Bank of America (BAC) closed at $41.44, indicating a +1.35% shift from the previous trading day.
Shares of Bank of America (BAC 1.03%) are down approximately 14% from their 52-week high amid the broader stock market sell-off. Concern over the U.S. economy and the impact of trade tariffs being implemented by the Trump administration have marked a decisive shift in investor sentiment.
Bank of America (BAC) has made another new change to increase oversight of the working conditions of junior bankers, according to a Monday report from The Wall Street Journal.
Sources believe Trump's victory was essentially a double whammy for the CEO — putting the bank in the crosshairs but also halting his own political aspirations.
Bank of America (BAC) has received quite a bit of attention from Zacks.com users lately. Therefore, it is wise to be aware of the facts that can impact the stock's prospects.
The layoffs are part of an annual process to cut under-performers. However, deal volumes have also fallen below expectations in the first half of the year.
Bank of America's latest cull has eliminated 150 jobs of junior bankers at its investment bank, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Tuesday.
With inflation already weighing heavily on American families, new tariffs on imported goods are set to intensify financial strain, particularly for low-income households. The impact of these levies—targeting everyday items like clothing, electronics, and groceries—will ripple through consumer spending habits and drive up costs in sectors where affordability is already a concern.Economists from Bank of America and BNP Paribas expect the February Consumer Price Index (CPI) report to provide the first clear indications of these tariffs’ effect, with further increases anticipated in the coming months. As US retailers, including Target and Best Buy, brace for higher costs, long-term inflation expectations have climbed to near 30-year highs. The burden will fall hardest on those already struggling with rising living expenses, as businesses pass higher import costs onto consumers.Low-income consumers hit hardest by rising costsFamilies with tighter budgets, who typically allocate a larger share of their income to necessities, are particularly vulnerable to these price hikes. Goods sourced from China, Mexico, and Canada—such as furniture, fresh produce, and energy supplies—are becoming more expensive, compounding financial pressures on low-income consumers who have been dealing with high inflation and borrowing costs.Retail giants have already signaled that price increases are inevitable. Target CEO Brian Cornell has warned that tariffs on key imports, such as Mexican fruits and vegetables, will make it challenging to maintain stable pricing.Walmart, the nation’s largest retailer, has also noted growing “stress behaviors” among budget-conscious shoppers, with some switching to smaller pack sizes or opting for less expensive alternatives. According to a recent report by Bloomberg, Walmart has begun negotiating with Chinese suppliers, requesting price cuts of up to 10% to mitigate the effects of tariffs. However, such efforts may not be enough to shield customers from rising costs.Inflation concerns escalate as consumer spending slowsHigher import duties are expected to act as a hidden tax on consumers, further slowing already tepid spending growth. The Federal Reserve’s latest Beige Book report has highlighted increased price sensitivity among shoppers, particularly for non-essential items.This shift in consumer behavior suggests that inflationary pressures are reshaping purchasing decisions, leading to a decline in demand for discretionary goods.David French, executive vice president of government relations at the National Retail Federation, has pointed out that these tariffs function as a “consumption tax,” disproportionately affecting lower-income families. Unlike traditional tax policies, these trade levies increase the cost of essential goods, making it harder for vulnerable households to maintain their standard of living.The economic consequences of these tariffs are particularly stark for households at the lower end of the income spectrum. Between February 2020 and June 2024, the poorest 20% of US households experienced an 8.3% faster rise in consumer prices compared to the wealthiest segment, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis.This divergence in inflation rates has contributed to broader economic discontent, influencing voter sentiment in the 2024 election cycle.Trump’s tariff strategyDonald Trump’s current trade policies mark a significant shift from his first-term tariff approach, which initially focused on industrial materials like steel and aluminum. This time, the measures are far more aggressive, pushing average US tariff rates to their highest levels since World War II.The latest round of levies includes a broad array of consumer goods, raising concerns about prolonged inflationary effects.Despite the financial strain on households, the White House has defended the policy, arguing that tariffs will ultimately benefit American workers and businesses. A White House spokesperson stated that the administration’s strategy aims to “raise wages, create jobs, and expand investment,” dismissing concerns about short-term price increases as a “little disturbance” that the economy can absorb.However, for many American families already facing financial hardship, the reality is far more immediate. The combination of tariffs, stagnant wages, and existing economic pressures is making it increasingly difficult for some households to afford basic necessities.As the effects of these tariffs take hold, the question remains: how will struggling consumers navigate an economy where the cost of living continues to climb?The post US tariffs fuel inflation, putting pressure on low-income households appeared first on Invezz
Bank of America eliminated some investment banking roles on Monday, including in New York, according to three sources familiar with the situation who declined to be identified discussing personnel matters.
A mixed Friday morning shed some spots of light through the market. Diane King Hall discusses Baird's upgrades on Bank of America (BAC) and JPMorgan Chase (JPM) on expectations long-term outlook for banks will improve.