Big Banks Just Delivered a Message — Are You Listening?

July 18, 2025 — Second quarter earnings from the big six US banks surprised to the upside, revealing a resilient core: strong trading results, stable credit quality, and a late quarter rebound in investment banking activity. Despite macro headwinds and cautious expense management, most banks beat expectations — thanks to healthy consumer behavior, rising loan demand, and fortified capital. But the real story was a focus toward high-quality, fee-driven segments like wealth management. The takeaway? Capital strength is intact, but the winners are those leaning into durable, diversified revenue streams.