Record Profits. Record Pessimism. What Gives?

We’ve got a new face on the pod - welcome our Investment Analyst, John! Earnings season is off to a strong start, with banks leading the way - delivering standout results and pointing to continued resilience from the US consumer. Analysts are expecting double-digit earnings growth for Q1 2026. But here’s the disconnect: Consumer sentiment just hit its lowest level in over 70 years - below even the GFC, COVID, and the dot-com bubble era. So what’s going on? We break down: • Key takeaways from early bank earnings • The resilience (and cracks) in the US consumer • Whether earnings expectations are too optimistic • The growing gap between market reality and consumer perception • Why sentiment can serve as a contrarian indicator And of course - we wrap it up with some fun: Meta is introducing an AI twin of CEO Zuckerberg for employees… so naturally we ask: Is it time for an AI version of our beloved Gradient Investments president? 😄