Analyst earnings revisions â Goldman vs. its peers
Recent analyst commentary has been especially harsh on GoldmanâŻSachs (GS), with consensus earnings estimates trimmed more aggressively than for the broader âbigâbankâ set (JPM, BAC, C, WFC, etc.). The consensusâestimates consensus for GS has been cut roughly 5â6âŻ% for FYâ2025, whereas the other large banks have seen only 2â3âŻ% downward revisions on average. The catalyst is a combination of heightened political risk (the Trump administrationâs public criticism of GSâs tariffâinflation outlook) and a more conservative view on the bankâs ability to monetize its macroâresearch franchise in a higherâinflation, higherâtariff environment. While the âwallâstreet brethrenâ share the view that tariffâdriven cost pressures will rise, analysts still view the broader banking sector as more diversified and less exposed to the political backlash that is weighing on Goldmanâs earnings forecasts.
Trading implications
The relative earnings downgrade suggests that GS is likely to underâperform its peers in the nearâterm. Technically, GS is trading below its 20âday EMA and has broken a shortâterm support zone near $345, with a bearish flag forming on the daily chart. By contrast, peers such as JPM and BAC are holding above their 20âday EMA and are holding key support levels, indicating a healthier relative price momentum. Actionable: Consider a shortâposition or protective put on GS while maintaining long positions or call spreads on the other large banks that have less severe earnings cuts and stronger technical setups. Monitor upcoming earnings releases and any new policy statementsâif tariffâinflation concerns intensify, the spread between GS and its peers could widen, presenting a tactical shortâvsâlong trade.