IBM Vice Chairman Gary Cohn acknowledged the 'Sell America' trade is real, even as he maintained optimism for the U.S. economy. Speaking at the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Bloomberg Surveillance, Cohn pointed to high GDP growth as a key tailwind, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions that have unsettled global markets.

Cohn's comments carry weight given his former role as White House economic advisor. The 'Sell America' narrative has gained traction among some investors concerned about U.S. fiscal policy and global trade disputes. His assessment suggests a split view on Wall Street, where long-term growth prospects clash with short-term geopolitical risks and shifting investor sentiment.

For business leaders and investors, this signals a need to monitor capital flows and currency markets closely. Cohn's Davos appearance underscores how geopolitical friction is influencing corporate strategy and investment decisions at the highest levels. The coming quarters will test whether domestic economic strength can offset these global headwinds.