Finances

Bank of America Corporation (BAC) released its second quarter earnings on Tuesday, July 14. After topping analysts’ expectations, the company’s shares rose by over 2% in midday trading following the release of the report.

Revenue came in at $31.6 billion during the second quarter, up 15% from revenue of $27.4 billion at this time last year. The results exceeded analysts’ expectations of $30.7 billion for the quarter.

“The team delivered one of our strongest quarters to date, with earnings per share up 34% year-over-year,” said Bank of America CEO, Brian Moynihan. “Every business segment reported double digit net income growth and strong returns on equity. Revenue increased 15% from last year as we deepened relationships with existing clients and welcomed new ones.”

The company reported net income of $9.1 billion for the quarter or $1.21 per adjusted share. This is up from $7.2 billion or $0.90 per adjusted share in the same quarter last year.

Bank of America’s Consumer Banking segment generated revenue of $11.3 billion during the quarter, a 5% improvement from $10.8 billion in the same quarter last year. The segment added over 160,000 net new consumer checking accounts, completing 30 consecutive quarters of net growth. The company’s Global Wealth and Investment Management segment earned revenue of $6.9 billion, a 16% increase from $5.9 billion reported a year ago. The client balances within the segment increased 12% to $4.9 trillion, driven by higher market valuations.

Bank of America Corporation (BAC) shares ended the week at $61.27, up 2% for the week.

Goldman Sachs Reports Earnings

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (GS) released its second quarter earnings report on Tuesday, July 14. The investment firm’s stock increased by about 9%, after reporting better-than-expected quarterly revenue.

Revenue reached $20.34 billion during the second quarter, up 39% from revenue of $14.58 billion at this time last year. The results exceeded analysts’ expectations of $16.2 billion for the quarter.

“Our record performance this quarter reflects the strength of our global franchise, the depth of our relationships, and our ability to harness the power of One Goldman Sachs,” said Goldman Sachs CEO, David Solomon. “Momentum has accelerated throughout our businesses. Clients are turning to us to lead their most strategic and consequential transactions, which are often the genesis of activity across the franchise. We are relentlessly driving our long-term growth strategy across Global Banking & Markets and Asset & Wealth Management, and given what we see in our pipelines, we expect this flywheel of activity to continue."

The company reported net income of $6.63 billion for the quarter or $20.98 per adjusted share. This was up from $3.72 billion or $10.91 per adjusted share reported in the same quarter last year.

Goldman Sachs’ Asset and Wealth Management segment generated revenue of $4.60 billion during the quarter, 20% higher compared to the same quarter last year. The company’s Global Banking and Markets segment revenue increased by 53% to $15.52 billion. Revenue for Platform Solutions reached $221 million for the second quarter, 64% lower than the prior year. The company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $5.00 per common share payable on September 29, 2026, to stockholders of record on September 1, 2026.

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (GS) shares ended the week at $5.15, up 2% for the week.

Cintas Posts Earnings

Cintas Corporation (CTAS), a uniform rental and cleaning supply company, posted its fourth quarter and full-year earnings on Wednesday, July 15. The company reported increased quarterly revenue, causing its stock to climb to almost 7% following the release of the earnings report.

Revenue for the fourth quarter reached $2.91 billion, up 8.9% from revenue of $2.67 billion reported during the same quarter last year. This was above analysts’ expectations of $2.87 billion. Full-year revenue increased to $11.26 billion from $10.34 billion for fiscal 2025.

“These results conclude an outstanding year for Cintas,” said Cintas CEO, Todd Schneider. “We delivered record revenues and operating margins. Our 8.3% organic revenue growth demonstrates our ability to deliver strong results in a dynamic macro environment. Our all-time high gross margin reflects the outstanding performance of our employee-partners and the clear impact of our investments in technology, capacity and talent. These results continue to showcase the strength and resilience of Cintas' value proposition."

Cintas reported quarterly net income of $510.99 million or $1.26 per diluted share. This was up from $448.26 million or $1.09 per diluted share during the same quarter last year. Full-year net income came in at $1.99 billion or $4.91 per diluted share.

The company’s Uniform Rental and Facility Services segment grew 8.2% year-over-year, reaching $2.20 billion. The First Aid and Safety Services segment reported $368.13 million in revenue. Operating income came in at $673.0 million, an increase of 12.7% compared to last year. Throughout fiscal 2026, Cintas returned capital totaling $1.65 billion to shareholders in the form of share buybacks and dividends.

Cintas Corporation (CTAS) shares closed at $204.45, up 13% for the week.

The Dow started the week of 7/13 at 52,677 and closed at 52,146 on 7/17. The S&P 500 started the week at 7,548 and closed at 7,458. The NASDAQ started the week at 26,088 and closed at 25,520.

U.S. Treasury yields dipped midweek as investors reacted to the latest release of monthly producer prices showing signs of inflation cooling. Yields continued to decline later in the week after jobless claims fell to the lowest levels seen in 10 weeks.

On Wednesday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released June’s producer price index (PPI), which measures the average change over time in the prices of wholesale goods and services. The June PPI fell 0.3%, outperforming economists’ estimates that the cost measure would remain unchanged. Year-over-year, the increase in wholesale prices reached 5.5%.

“The Fed’s war with inflation is not over by any means,” said chief economist at FWDBONDS, Chris Rupkey. “[B]ut there is good news from the front and the odds of Fed rate hikes should continue to recede as inflation at the factory level is trending lower, and producers will not be passing on their higher costs to the consumer level as much as we previously thought.”

The benchmark 10-year Treasury note yield opened the week of July 13 at 4.56% and traded as low as 4.52% on Tuesday. The 30-year Treasury bond opened the week at 5.06% and traded as low as 5.04% on Tuesday.

On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Labor reported that initial unemployment claims totaled 208,000 for the week ending July 11. This was down 8,000 from the prior week’s revised level and below analysts’ expectations of 217,000. Continuing unemployment claims decreased by 16,000 to 1.81 million.

"While hiring has weakened from a strong start to 2026, the labor market remains stable," said senior economist at PNC Financial, Kurt Rankin. "Businesses themselves continue to enjoy solid consumer demand, requiring that they at least maintain existing staffing to meet demand."

The 10-year Treasury note yield finished the week of 7/13 at 4.55%, while the 30-year Treasury note yield finished the week at 5.07%.

Freddie Mac released its latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey on Thursday, July 16. The survey showed mortgage rates continuing to increase.

This week, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate averaged 6.55%, up from last week’s average of 6.49%. Last year at this time, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate averaged 6.75%.

The 15-year fixed mortgage rate averaged 5.93% this week, up from last week’s average of 5.82%. During the same week last year, the 15-year fixed mortgage rate averaged 5.92%.

“The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.55% this week,” said chief economist at Freddie Mac, Sam Khater. “Purchase application demand has weakened recently, but housing affordability is more favorable and housing inventory continues to rise, thus the backdrop for prospective homebuyers is modestly improving.”

Based on published national averages, the savings rate was 0.38% as of 6/15. The one-year CD averaged 1.65%.