Market Decode: Outlook 2026 preview

In a world of disruption, innovation and resilience, get ready for a transformational year ahead.

WHAT’S DRIVING THE ECONOMY heading into the new year? “The key word is ‘power’ in every sense — from data centers and energy grids to tariff disputes, defense systems, a coming midterm election and the resilient strength of U.S. consumers and companies,” says Chris Hyzy, Chief Investment Officer for Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank.

Watch the video above for a preview of potential opportunities and risks as these and other forces coalesce in the coming months. Then, mark your calendar for our full 2026 Year Ahead Outlook webcast airing November 24: Powering up: What could drive the next era of growth? Hyzy and leading analysts from the Chief Investment Office and BofA Global Research will explore the race for artificial intelligence dominance, geopolitical risks, a shifting global economy — and what it all means for equity and fixed income markets and your portfolio.

Save the date, watch the webcast and then keep an eye out for extended content throughout December — all designed to help you navigate the markets in 2026 and beyond.

For timely insights from the Chief Investment Office throughout the year, tune in regularly to the Market Update audiocast series.

Important Disclosures

The opinions expressed are as of 11/06/2025 and are subject to change.

Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Investments have varying degrees of risk. Some of the risks involved with equity securities include the possibility that the value of the stocks may fluctuate in response to events specific to the companies or markets, as well as economic, political or social events in the U.S. or abroad.

This information should not be construed as investment advice and is subject to change. It is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be either a specific offer by Bank of America, Merrill or any affiliate to sell or provide, or a specific invitation for a consumer to apply for, any particular retail financial product or service that may be available.

BofA Global Research is research produced by BofA Securities, Inc. (“BofAS”) and/or one or more of its affiliates. BofAS is a registered broker-dealer, Member SIPC and wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation.

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Investing involves risk. There is always the potential of losing money when you invest in securities. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Asset allocation, rebalancing and diversification do not guarantee against risk in broadly declining markets.

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