New York, Jan 31, 2026, 10:53 AM EST — Market closed
- After a volatile session, BAC closed Friday 0.23% higher at $53.20.
- Warsh’s nomination shifted investor attention back to the 2026 rate-cut outlook and the yield curve.
- A judge allowed portions of the Epstein-related trafficking lawsuit against the bank to proceed.
Bank of America shares headed into Monday slightly higher after Friday’s session, following Donald Trump’s nomination of Warsh to lead the Federal Reserve. The stock finished up 0.23% at $53.20, trading in a $52.63 to $53.40 range. Roughly 34.5 million shares exchanged hands. (Bank of America Corporation)
For major banks, the Fed chair narrative swiftly boils down to rates. Changes in the yield curve — the difference between long- and short-term rates — directly impact what lenders make on loans versus what they pay on deposits, a key metric called net interest income.
The nomination came as investors grapple with persistent inflation signs and the pace at which the Fed might loosen policy without fueling price spikes. Bank of America’s calculations also factor in litigation news, which can weigh on sentiment even when the market appears steady.
Warsh needs Senate confirmation and would step in when Jerome Powell’s term as chair ends in May. He was a Fed governor from 2006 to 2011. Peter Cardillo at Spartan Capital Securities called it “difficult to assess” how markets will react, while Brian Jacobsen of Annex Wealth Management described Warsh as an “independent thinker.” Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan praised Warsh’s “background and experience” as fitting for the role. Interest-rate futures still suggest two rate cuts in 2026, with the first likely in June. (Reuters)
Wall Street’s key indexes ended Friday in the red as investors digested the Fed chair nomination, earnings reports, and a producer price index that came in hotter than expected. “Markets are calibrating” to the nomination and the policy outlook, said Michael Hans of Citizens Wealth. The S&P 500 lost 0.43%, the Dow slipped 0.36%, and the Nasdaq dropped 0.94%. (Reuters)
A U.S. judge in Manhattan ruled that Bank of America must face part of a proposed class action alleging it knowingly profited from Epstein’s sex trafficking by providing banking services. Jed Rakoff dismissed four other claims. The bank responded, saying it was pleased the case narrowed and added, “We look forward to a full review of the facts.” Rakoff also dismissed a similar suit against Bank of New York Mellon, setting Feb. 13 for an opinion. A trial for Bank of America is slated for May 11, following related settlements with JPMorgan Chase and Deutsche Bank in 2023. (Reuters)
Rate cuts present a double-edged sword for Bank of America. While lower short-term rates tend to compress banks’ net interest margins, looser policy could boost lending and trading activity—provided the economy remains resilient.
The risk here: a messy Fed chair battle could keep markets on edge, rattling yields back and forth. If the curve flattens or rate cuts arrive sooner than expected, earnings could come under pressure—right when legal expenses and reputational risks are also rising.
U.S. markets reopen Monday as traders weigh Fed signals following Michelle Bowman’s comments on Friday. Despite voting to keep rates steady this week, she said she still expects three quarter-point cuts this year. “The labor market is fragile,” Bowman noted. The Fed’s next meeting is set for March 17-18. (Reuters)
