Bank of America Beats Forecast, Sees Strong Trading, Q2 Growth

Bank of America's trading desk is beating its own forecast and revenue is growing better than expected in Q2, potentially exceeding 15% market growth. Strong performance in various business segments, such as deposits, wealth, and markets, also contributes to the bank's positive outlook.

BAC is on track for a strong second quarter, with CEO Brian Moynihan guiding to roughly 15% year-over-year growth in trading revenue and management signaling the bank could exceed that mark. The comparison is flattered by a weak year-ago base, when markets were rattled by tariff-driven volatility, but the underlying activity has been broad.

Co-President Jim DeMare attributed much of the upside to the equities business, noting that 'a lot more of the activity and revenues have been coming from the equity business' even as credit spreads stayed firm. Strength across deposits, wealth management, and markets is reinforcing the outlook, giving the bank multiple levers beyond net interest income.

Bank of America also raised its 2026 net interest income growth outlook to 6% to 8%, up from 5% to 7% in April, a sign management sees the rate and balance-sheet backdrop holding up. The mid-quarter commentary positions BAC favorably ahead of its July earnings report, though the figures remain guidance rather than reported results.