Global Research Unlocked

As AI enthusiasm drives markets to new highs, investors are increasingly asking whether the boom has become a bubble. In this episode of Signals & Noise, Ben Bowler and Arjun Goyal explore why today's AI-driven market shares many of the characteristics of past technological booms while arguing that the current cycle may still have room to run. They discuss BofA's proprietary Bubble Risk Indicator (BRI), a tool designed to identify bubble-like price behavior across asset classes, and explain why volatility often rises alongside prices during periods of intense investor optimism. The conversation examines how FOMO, uncertainty, and increasingly reflexive markets can create powerful momentum, as well as the practical implications for investors managing risk in AI-related equities, semiconductors, memory stocks, commodities, and other crowded trades. The key takeaway: in today's market, understanding psychology and market dynamics may be just as important as understanding fundamentals.
 
"Bank of America" and “BofA Securities” are the marketing names for the global banking businesses and global markets businesses (which includes BofA Global Research) of Bank of America Corporation. Lending, derivatives, and other commercial banking activities are performed globally by banking affiliates of Bank of America Corporation, including Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Securities, trading, research, strategic advisory, and other investment banking and markets activities are performed globally by affiliates of Bank of America Corporation, including, in the United States, BofA Securities, Inc. a registered broker-dealer and Member of FINRA and SIPC, and, in other jurisdictions, by locally registered entities. ©2026 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

Please join Mark Cabana for a discussion with credit strategist Yuri Seliger & rates strategist Meghan Swiber. Yuri will discuss the outlook for hyerscaler issuance & IG outlook, Meghan will place in context of broader rates. The call took place on Friday, July 24, 2026 at 9 AM EDT, 2 PM BST, 3 PM CEST.
 
"Bank of America" and “BofA Securities” are the marketing names for the global banking businesses and global markets businesses (which includes BofA Global Research) of Bank of America Corporation. Lending, derivatives, and other commercial banking activities are performed globally by banking affiliates of Bank of America Corporation, including Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Securities, trading, research, strategic advisory, and other investment banking and markets activities are performed globally by affiliates of Bank of America Corporation, including, in the United States, BofA Securities, Inc. a registered broker-dealer and Member of FINRA and SIPC, and, in other jurisdictions, by locally registered entities. ©2026 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

In this episode of Signals and Noise, Aditya Bhave, Head of US Economic Research at BofA Securities, lays out the case for three 25bp Fed rate hikes in September, October, and December. He explains why current policy appears too accommodative given the combination of steady labor markets and elevated core inflation, and why recent softness in CPI data has not changed our view. Aditya also addresses the three most common challenges to our forecast: whether inflation is truly a problem, whether Chair Warsh will ultimately follow through on a hawkish stance, and whether markets are underestimating the amount of tightening needed to meaningfully impact financial conditions. Along the way, he breaks down the role of tariffs, geopolitical shocks, core PCE inflation, and Fed credibility in shaping the outlook for rates and markets.
 
"Bank of America" and “BofA Securities” are the marketing names for the global banking businesses and global markets businesses (which includes BofA Global Research) of Bank of America Corporation. Lending, derivatives, and other commercial banking activities are performed globally by banking affiliates of Bank of America Corporation, including Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Securities, trading, research, strategic advisory, and other investment banking and markets activities are performed globally by affiliates of Bank of America Corporation, including, in the United States, BofA Securities, Inc. a registered broker-dealer and Member of FINRA and SIPC, and, in other jurisdictions, by locally registered entities. ©2026 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

In this episode of Must Read Research on Global Research Unlocked, T.J. Thornton steps in for Candace Browning to explore several of the themes heating up markets this summer. We recap a strong start to earnings season, where broad-based growth is extending beyond AI and early results are running ahead of historical averages. We also examine the debate surrounding Netflix's engagement trends as investors weigh slowing viewing hours against new monetization opportunities and the company's long track record of adaptation. Beyond corporate earnings, we discuss how extreme temperatures across Europe are creating risks for global agriculture markets and what that could mean for corn production and pricing. Finally, we look at the evolving supply-demand backdrop for U.S. Treasuries as signs of softer foreign demand raise questions about future sources of support for the market.
 
"Bank of America" and “BofA Securities” are the marketing names for the global banking businesses and global markets businesses (which includes BofA Global Research) of Bank of America Corporation. Lending, derivatives, and other commercial banking activities are performed globally by banking affiliates of Bank of America Corporation, including Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Securities, trading, research, strategic advisory, and other investment banking and markets activities are performed globally by affiliates of Bank of America Corporation, including, in the United States, BofA Securities, Inc. a registered broker-dealer and Member of FINRA and SIPC, and, in other jurisdictions, by locally registered entities. ©2026 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

Please join Ralf Preusser in conversation with Sphia Salim, Meghan Swiber and Shusuke Yamada. We will discuss potential implications of a hypothetical change in Japan's GPIF asset allocation both for Japan and G10 more broadly. We will also preview next week's ECB meeting and discuss how the Fed's reaction function may have changed with this week's US data.
 
"Bank of America" and “BofA Securities” are the marketing names for the global banking businesses and global markets businesses (which includes BofA Global Research) of Bank of America Corporation. Lending, derivatives, and other commercial banking activities are performed globally by banking affiliates of Bank of America Corporation, including Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Securities, trading, research, strategic advisory, and other investment banking and markets activities are performed globally by affiliates of Bank of America Corporation, including, in the United States, BofA Securities, Inc. a registered broker-dealer and Member of FINRA and SIPC, and, in other jurisdictions, by locally registered entities. ©2026 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

Our guest speaker is Gary Neville, former professional footballer, entrepreneur, broadcaster and business leader and who is one of the most influential voices across soccer and media. Since retiring from playing, he has built a broad portfolio spanning broadcasting, property, education and club ownership, including co-ownership of Salford City FC. Through his work, Gary is committed to expanding access to sport, supporting communities, and using sport to bring people together. Join us for a wide-ranging discussion covering experiences at the top of the game, transition into media and entrepreneurship, and perspectives on the business of modern soccer. 
 
"Bank of America" and “BofA Securities” are the marketing names for the global banking businesses and global markets businesses (which includes BofA Global Research) of Bank of America Corporation. Lending, derivatives, and other commercial banking activities are performed globally by banking affiliates of Bank of America Corporation, including Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Securities, trading, research, strategic advisory, and other investment banking and markets activities are performed globally by affiliates of Bank of America Corporation, including, in the United States, BofA Securities, Inc. a registered broker-dealer and Member of FINRA and SIPC, and, in other jurisdictions, by locally registered entities. ©2026 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

Our guest speaker is Gary Neville, former professional footballer, entrepreneur, broadcaster and business leader and who is one of the most influential voices across soccer and media. Since retiring from playing, he has built a broad portfolio spanning broadcasting, property, education and club ownership, including co-ownership of Salford City FC. Through his work, Gary is committed to expanding access to sport, supporting communities, and using sport to bring people together. Join us for a wide-ranging discussion covering experiences at the top of the game, transition into media and entrepreneurship, and perspectives on the business of modern soccer. 
 
"Bank of America" and “BofA Securities” are the marketing names for the global banking businesses and global markets businesses (which includes BofA Global Research) of Bank of America Corporation. Lending, derivatives, and other commercial banking activities are performed globally by banking affiliates of Bank of America Corporation, including Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Securities, trading, research, strategic advisory, and other investment banking and markets activities are performed globally by affiliates of Bank of America Corporation, including, in the United States, BofA Securities, Inc. a registered broker-dealer and Member of FINRA and SIPC, and, in other jurisdictions, by locally registered entities. ©2026 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

U.S. consumers showed remarkable resilience in June, with spending growth reaching its strongest pace in four years. But what's driving the surge, and can it last? In this episode of Global Research Unlocked, T.J. Thornton speaks with David Tinsley, Senior Economist at the Bank of America Institute, about the latest Consumer Checkpoint data. They unpack the factors behind June's spending acceleration, including the impact of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a rebound in discretionary purchases, and improving momentum among lower-income households. The conversation explores a notable shift in the consumer landscape: the long-running K-shaped spending trend appears to be narrowing. David discusses why wage growth is accelerating for lower-income consumers, how increased job switching and a stronger labor market may be supporting household finances, and whether these improvements are likely to persist into the second half of the year. They also examine spending patterns across World Cup host cities, the return of strength in retail categories, and the risks facing consumers as temporary tailwinds fade and spending continues to outpace wage growth.
 
"Bank of America" and “BofA Securities” are the marketing names for the global banking businesses and global markets businesses (which includes BofA Global Research) of Bank of America Corporation. Lending, derivatives, and other commercial banking activities are performed globally by banking affiliates of Bank of America Corporation, including Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Securities, trading, research, strategic advisory, and other investment banking and markets activities are performed globally by affiliates of Bank of America Corporation, including, in the United States, BofA Securities, Inc. a registered broker-dealer and Member of FINRA and SIPC, and, in other jurisdictions, by locally registered entities. ©2026 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

Convergence of brokers, betting and prediction markets
Prediction markets (PMs) have exploded in popularity over the past year, with volumes doubling since the start of May. By some measures, prediction markets are already approaching the scale of online sports betting. Julie Hoover from the Gaming, Lodging & Leisure team joins the podcast to discuss what's driving this growth and categories other than sports which could be the next major opportunities for PMs, Julie also explores key differences between prediction markets and traditional sports betting, including taxation, and market-making dynamics.. She discusses online brokers, which share a significant customer base with prediction markets and could be well positioned to succeed in this growing market as the companies expand their PM offerings. Finally, we examine the risks, which include more than 15 state lawsuits challenging prediction markets. It's likely that the U.S. Supreme Court will ultimately decide whether and which sports event contracts can continue to be offered.
 
"Bank of America" and “BofA Securities” are the marketing names for the global banking businesses and global markets businesses (which includes BofA Global Research) of Bank of America Corporation. Lending, derivatives, and other commercial banking activities are performed globally by banking affiliates of Bank of America Corporation, including Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Securities, trading, research, strategic advisory, and other investment banking and markets activities are performed globally by affiliates of Bank of America Corporation, including, in the United States, BofA Securities, Inc. a registered broker-dealer and Member of FINRA and SIPC, and, in other jurisdictions, by locally registered entities. ©2026 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.
 
 

EM resilience tested by Fed, fueled by long-term flows
Emerging market equities have more than doubled the S&P 500's return year-to-date, and have held up well despite rising Fed hike expectations and a stronger US dollar. In this episode, David Hauner explains why he remains structurally bullish on EM despite our Economic team’s expectations for three Fed hikes later this year. David discusses how flows over the last decade, interest rate differentials and dollar diversification play into his calculus. He also addresses the impact and risks that come with U.S. Midterm Elections and AI. David Beker joins for commentary on Brazil, where weaker growth expectations, lower oil and a less favorable rate outlook have flipped the script. But he suggests that political clarity could help investors to re-engage.
 
"Bank of America" and “BofA Securities” are the marketing names for the global banking businesses and global markets businesses (which includes BofA Global Research) of Bank of America Corporation. Lending, derivatives, and other commercial banking activities are performed globally by banking affiliates of Bank of America Corporation, including Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Securities, trading, research, strategic advisory, and other investment banking and markets activities are performed globally by affiliates of Bank of America Corporation, including, in the United States, BofA Securities, Inc. a registered broker-dealer and Member of FINRA and SIPC, and, in other jurisdictions, by locally registered entities. ©2026 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

In this episode of Must Read Research on Global Research Unlocked, Candace Browning explores a broadening opportunity set across markets and industries. We examine the rapid expansion of the space economy and how advances in launch and satellite infrastructure are reshaping connectivity and computing. We also look beyond the U.S. and China for the next wave of AI beneficiaries, highlighting the countries best positioned to capitalize on both AI buildout and long-term productivity gains. The discussion then turns to Europe, where earnings momentum is improving for the first time in years, and to the Research Investment Committee's latest views on opportunities beyond crowded market leadership as signs of economic and earnings broadening continue to emerge.
 
"Bank of America" and “BofA Securities” are the marketing names for the global banking businesses and global markets businesses (which includes BofA Global Research) of Bank of America Corporation. Lending, derivatives, and other commercial banking activities are performed globally by banking affiliates of Bank of America Corporation, including Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Securities, trading, research, strategic advisory, and other investment banking and markets activities are performed globally by affiliates of Bank of America Corporation, including, in the United States, BofA Securities, Inc. a registered broker-dealer and Member of FINRA and SIPC, and, in other jurisdictions, by locally registered entities. ©2026 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

Please join our US economist and rates strategists for their weekly rates call to cover (1) commodity risks for global rates & curves and (2) US CPI preview & US inflation pricing implications. The call will took place on Friday, July 10, 2026 at 9 AM ET, 2 PM BST,3 PM CEST.
 
"Bank of America" and “BofA Securities” are the marketing names for the global banking businesses and global markets businesses (which includes BofA Global Research) of Bank of America Corporation. Lending, derivatives, and other commercial banking activities are performed globally by banking affiliates of Bank of America Corporation, including Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Securities, trading, research, strategic advisory, and other investment banking and markets activities are performed globally by affiliates of Bank of America Corporation, including, in the United States, BofA Securities, Inc. a registered broker-dealer and Member of FINRA and SIPC, and, in other jurisdictions, by locally registered entities. ©2026 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.