Goldman Sachs CEO Outlines Upbeat 2026 Economic Outlook

Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon described the economic backdrop for 2026 as strong, citing fiscal support, artificial intelligence investment, and improving business conditions.

Published on February 17, 2026

economic
Goldman Sachs Tower, the tallest building in New Jersey, Jersey City, August 12, 2011.

Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon described the economic backdrop for 2026 as strong, citing fiscal support, artificial intelligence investment, and improving business conditions.

In a recent CNBC interview, Solomon said the macroeconomic setup is “quite good.” He pointed to robust fiscal support and significant AI-driven capital investment as key factors shaping the outlook. He also noted what he described as a more conducive business environment.

According to Solomon, strategic activity is accelerating as companies revisit large transactions. He said discussions around initial public offerings are increasing and suggested that some offerings could reach unprecedented sizes.

His comments come amid broader economic debate, including recession concerns that have circulated in recent months. However, Solomon’s assessment reflects confidence in ongoing economic activity despite uneven growth patterns.

Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan expressed a similar view from a consumer perspective. Moynihan said Bank of America data showed January activity running nearly 5 percent above the same period last year, with spending rising across various income brackets.

Major Banks Report Strong Earnings

Large financial institutions recently reported solid earnings results. Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, and other major banks have shown continued growth in fee income, margin protection, and disciplined credit risk management, even in a volatile economic environment.

These results suggest that client activity and business pipelines remain active. Performance trends indicate that operational strength has held up despite negative economic headlines.

Goldman Sachs’ most recent quarterly report illustrates that trend. The bank reported an earnings beat, although results included a specific drag related to its exit from the Apple Card business. According to the report, a temporary accounting swing affected the top-line figure, making it appear softer than underlying performance.

Industry leaders have indicated that IPO activity in 2026 could reach record levels. At the same time, Solomon cautioned about deficit risks as part of the broader economic picture.

Together, recent earnings reports and executive commentary highlight continued capital markets activity, consumer spending growth, and investment momentum heading into 2026.

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