‘FANTASTIC': BNY Wealth CIO on US trend growth

• Markets primarily focus on earnings and interest rates, which are currently stable and strong, respectively.
• US economic growth forecasts (2.4-2.8% for Q1) are considered 'fantastic' as they exceed the 2% trend growth.
• The American consumer is healthy, with significant net worth growth and strong retail sales, buoyed by tax refunds.
• Long-term market pillars include sustained earnings growth, capital expenditure (especially AI-driven productivity), and a resilient labor market.

The BNY Wealth CIO discusses market volatility, emphasizing that long-term market performance is driven by fundamentals like earnings and interest rates, not just headlines. She highlights strong economic growth forecasts, robust consumer health, and positive long-term market pillars including earnings growth, capital expenditure, and a stable labor market, painting a very optimistic picture for investors.