Read our full analysis for a more in-depth look at these trends.
Five themes from ’25
What shaped 2025? From economic resilience to AI shifts, the Institute explores the trends that defined the year.
December 2025
Key takeaways
- Bank of America Institute is dedicated to uncovering powerful insights that move business and society forward. This year, we have delivered over 100 publications across our three pillars: Economic Insights, Sustainability and Transformation.
- Economic resilience has been a key theme, although affordability looks different across households. A “K-shaped” recovery emerged in the second half of the year, with the gap between higher-income and lower-income households most prominent in spending and wage growth. Plus, the small business job market cooled and the housing market remained tight.
- Meanwhile, from a transformation lens, AI shifted from hype to hard impact in 2025 — driving GDP and reshaping industries. As adoption accelerates, the challenge is clear: scale responsibly while managing risk and equity.
- From the state of the consumer and businesses to the housing market and technological innovations, our 2025 year in review serves as a reflection of key trends.
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