Analysts See Margin Tailwinds Ahead as Big Bank Earnings Slide

Analysts expect big U.S. banks to extend a net interest margin expansion streak into 2026—supported by a potentially steepening yield curve, rebounding loan demand, and likely additional Fed rate cuts, among other factors—S&P Global Market Intelligence reported. Margins have expanded for seven straight quarters, with further gains projected for a majority of large banks next year.

Another S&P article discussed how shares of the four largest U.S. banks fell following fourth-quarter 2025 earnings reports, even as earnings per share beat expectations and revenue and net interest income rose year over year.