OKLAHOMA CITY (OBV) — If the factory floor and the server rack share the spotlight, 2026 may be a year of optimism, with U.S. manufacturing and AI helping to power growth, according to a recent Journal Record outlook by BOK Financial’s Steve Wyett, CFA.
“Trade and this revitalization of the U.S. manufacturing sector will likely drive economic growth in 2026, and we’re cautiously optimistic that the reshoring of manufacturing, coupled with advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), could accelerate growth—and benefit financial markets—during the year,” wrote Wyett.
“Trade and this revitalization of the U.S. manufacturing sector will likely drive economic growth in 2026, and we’re cautiously optimistic that the reshoring of manufacturing, coupled with advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), could accelerate growth—and benefit financial markets—during the year.”
– Steve Wyett, CFA, Chief Investment Strategist, BOK Financial
National Indicators
Manufacturers reported an improved end‑of‑year outlook, with 69.9% of firms expressing a favorable forecast for their companies in Q4 2025. Companies cited trade uncertainty, rising health‑care costs and a softer domestic sales environment among top concerns. Survey results also show continued demand for skilled production workers—including technicians, welders and machinists—and broad exposure to tariffs on imported inputs.
Oklahoma Momentum
Aerospace: Boeing finalized its acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems’ Boeing‑related commercial operations in December, integrating aerostructures tied to the 737, 767, 777 and 787 programs. Integration includes Tulsa and other regional facilities.
Digital infrastructure: Google announced two data center campuses in Muskogee County as part of a multi‑year Oklahoma expansion, accompanied by clean‑energy agreements and local infrastructure investment.
Critical materials: Stardust Power advanced its Muskogee lithium refinery late last month, with an independent engineering review validating design assumptions (Dec. 11–12) and a financing facility executed on Dec. 24 to support early‑stage construction activities.
