Chief Investment Officer, Chief Market Strategist

As chief investment officer and chief market strategist, Keith leads the Investment Advisory Group (IAG) responsible for allocating investment capital to help meet clients’ financial goals. Keith and his team deliver timely insights and portfolio guidance about global markets and economies, as well as manage Truist’s strategic and tactical asset allocation guidance, portfolio solutions, and equity and fixed income strategies.

Keith is a prolific writer, authoring Truist’s Market Perspective and leading the development of the group’s flagship Market Navigator publication. Keith is a frequent contributor to financial media, including CNBC, Bloomberg, Reuters, and the Wall Street Journal. Keith’s approach is to cut through the noise of the day and deliver key and accessible insights to advisors and clients.

Experience

Keith has more than 27 years of investment strategy experience. He joined SunTrust Robinson Humphrey in 2005 and shortly thereafter assumed the role of chief market strategist, focusing on market trends and quantitative analytics. He transitioned to a similar role for Truist’s Investment Advisory Group and led the Portfolio & Market Strategy team before being named co-chief investment officer.

Prior to his career with Truist and predecessor organizations, Keith was a portfolio manager in Bank of America’s private bank. Before that, he was a founding member of Charles Schwab’s trading analytics group, a team focused on fundamental and technical analysis. Keith is based in Atlanta.

Industry associations

  • Member of the CFA Institute
  • Member of CFA Society Atlanta
  • Member of the Market Technicians Association

Linked InEducation & designations

  • Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation
  • Chartered Market Technician (CMT) designation
  • Bachelor’s degree, University of Central Florida

Linked InAreas of focus

  • Global tactical asset allocation
  • Market & investment strategy
  • Tying macroeconomic themes to our market outlook

Insights recommended by the IAG team

Market Pulse – March 16, 2026

Market Pulse – March 16, 2026

Market Pulse March 16, 2026

Market views heading into the week highlight what we're watching and important news ahead.

Article
03/17/2026
Article

Market views heading into the week highlight what we're watching and important news ahead.

    {0}

    {0}

    {2}
    {6}
    {7}
    {8}
    {9}
    {12}
    {10}
    {11}

    {3}

    {1}
    {2}
    {6}
    {8}
    {9}
    {10}
    {11}
    {14}
    {12}
    {13}
    {1}
    {2}
    {7}
    {8}
    {9}
    {10}
    {11}
    {14}
    {12}
    {13}
    Economic commentary – March 6, 2026

    Economic commentary – March 6, 2026

    Economic Commentary February job losses

    Our view on the economy including rationale on GDP, jobs report, and Fed policy decisions.

    Article
    03/06/2026
    Article

    Our view on the economy including rationale on GDP, jobs report, and Fed policy decisions.

      {0}

      {0}

      {2}
      {6}
      {7}
      {8}
      {9}
      {12}
      {10}
      {11}

      {3}

      {1}
      {2}
      {6}
      {8}
      {9}
      {10}
      {11}
      {14}
      {12}
      {13}
      {1}
      {2}
      {7}
      {8}
      {9}
      {10}
      {11}
      {14}
      {12}
      {13}
      Market Navigator March 2026

      Market Navigator March 2026

      Market Navigator March 2026 edition - AI disruption focus

      Our monthly Market Navigator provides regular and timely economic and investment strategy views.

      Article
      03/02/2026
      Article

      AI presents meaningful risks and meaningful opportunities. Investors positioned only for worst-case scenarios are unlikely to remain invested through cycles or participate in long-term growth.

        {0}

        {0}

        {2}
        {6}
        {7}
        {8}
        {9}
        {12}
        {10}
        {11}

        {3}

        {1}
        {2}
        {6}
        {8}
        {9}
        {10}
        {11}
        {14}
        {12}
        {13}
        {1}
        {2}
        {7}
        {8}
        {9}
        {10}
        {11}
        {14}
        {12}
        {13}

        Additional resources

        Broaden your horizons with Truist Perspectives, and ignite your potential with our latest podcast, “I’ve Been Meaning To Do That.”

        Expand your perspective

        Truist Perspectives gives you the tools, tactics, and ideas to help ignite your potential and broaden your horizons.

        I’ve been meaning to do that: From purpose to action

        Join Truist Wealth’s Head of Investment Management, Oscarlyn Elder, to learn how purpose can impact your portfolio.

        Component ID : "accordionGridLayout-1194370725"
        Model : "disclaimer"
        Position : "left"

        Investment and Insurance Products:

        • Are Not FDIC or any other Government Agency Insured
        • Are Not Bank Guaranteed
        • May Lose Value

        Keith Lerner is an investment adviser representative of Truist Advisory Services, Inc.

        Advisory managed account programs entail risks, including possible loss of principal and may not be suitable for all investors. Please speak to your advisor to request a firm brochure which includes program details, including risks, fees and expenses.

        Truist Wealth is a name used by Truist Financial Corporation. Banking products and services, including loans, deposit accounts, trust and investment management services provided by Truist Bank, Member FDIC. Securities, brokerage accounts, insurance/annuities offered by Truist Investment Services, Inc. member FINRA, SIPC, and a licensed insurance agency where applicable. Life insurance products offered by referral to Truist Insurance Holdings, LLC. and affiliates. Investment advisory services offered by Truist Advisory Services, Inc., Sterling Capital Management, LLC, and affiliated SEC registered investment advisers. Sterling Capital Funds advised by Sterling Capital Management, LLC.

        While this information is believed to be accurate, Truist Financial Corporation, including its affiliates, does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of, or otherwise endorse these analyses or market data.

        The opinions and information contained herein have been obtained or derived from sources believed to be reliable, but Truist Financial Corporation makes no representation or guarantee as to their timeliness, accuracy or completeness or for their fitness for any particular purpose. The information contained herein does not purport to be a complete analysis of any security, company, or industry involved. This material is not to be construed as an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.

        Opinions and information expressed herein are subject to change without notice. TIS and/or its affiliates, including your Advisor, may have issued materials that are inconsistent with or may reach different conclusions than those represented in this commentary, and all opinions and information are believed to be reflective of judgments and opinions as of the date that material was originally published. TIS is under no obligation to ensure that other materials are brought to the attention of any recipient of this commentary.

        Comments regarding tax implications are informational only. Truist and its representatives do not provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your individual tax or legal professional before taking any action that may have tax or legal consequences.

        Investments involve risk and an investor may incur either profits or losses. Past performance should not be taken as an indication or guarantee of future performance.

        TIS/TAS shall accept no liability for any loss arising from the use of this material, nor shall TIS/TAS treat any recipient of this material as a customer or client simply by virtue of the receipt of this material.

        The information herein is for persons residing in the United States of America only and is not intended for any person in any other jurisdiction.

        Investors may be prohibited in certain states from purchasing some over-the-counter securities mentioned herein.

        The information contained in this material is produced and copyrighted by Truist Financial Corporation and any unauthorized use, duplication, redistribution or disclosure is prohibited by law.

        TIS/TAS’s officers, employees, agents and/or affiliates may have positions in securities, options, rights, or warrants mentioned or discussed in this material.

        ©2024 Truist Financial Corporation. Truist®, the Truist logo, and Truist are service marks of Truist Financial Corporation. All rights reserved.

        CN2024-6377842.1 EXP 02-2025

        Disclosures

        Truist Bank, Member FDIC. © 2026 Truist Financial Corporation. Truist, the Truist logo, Truist Purple, Truist One, Truist Marquee, LightStream, and the LightStream logo are service marks of Truist Financial Corporation.

        Equal Housing Lender

        Investment and Insurance Products:

        • Are Not FDIC or any other Government Agency Insured
        • Are Not Bank Guaranteed
        • May Lose Value

        TRUIST is a service mark of Truist Financial Corporation (Truist) and its affiliates.

        Services provided by Truist Financial Corporation (Truist) affiliates: Banking products and services, including loans and deposit accounts, provided by Truist Bank, Member FDIC. Trust and investment management services provided by Truist Bank. Securities, brokerage accounts and/or annuities offered by Truist Investment Services, Inc., an SEC registered broker-dealer, and member FINRA and SIPC, and a licensed insurance agency. Investment advisory services offered by Truist Advisory Services, Inc. and GFO Advisory Services, LLC, SEC registered investment advisers. Some insurance products offered by Truist Investment Services, Inc. Other insurance products offered by Marsh & McLennan Agency, LLC (as successor in interest to McGriff Insurance Services, LLC) CA License #0H18131, Kensington Vanguard National Land Services, and Crump Life Insurance Services. Truist Life Insurance Services (TLIS) is a division of Crump, Arkansas License #100103477. Variable insurance material is for broker-dealer or registered representative use only. Variable products distributed by P.J. Robb Variable, LLC, Arkansas License #100110185. Member FINRA.

        Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC, Kensington Vanguard National Land Services, Crump Life Insurance Services, Truist Life Insurance Services, and P.J. Robb Variable, LLC are not affiliated with Truist Financial Corporation or any of its subsidiaries.

        Truist Securities is a trademark of Truist Financial Corporation. Truist Securities is a trade name for the corporate and investment banking services of Truist and its subsidiaries. All rights reserved. Securities and strategic advisory services are provided by Truist Securities, Inc., member FINRA and SIPC. Lending, financial risk management, and treasury management and payment services are offered by Truist Bank.

        Mortgage products and services are offered through Truist Bank. All Truist mortgage professionals are registered on the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System & Registry (NMLS), which promotes uniformity and transparency throughout the residential real estate industry. Search the NMLS Registry.

        Comments regarding tax implications are informational only. Truist and its representatives do not provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your individual tax or legal professional before taking any action that may have tax or legal consequences.

        "Truist Advisors" may be officers and/or associated persons of the following affiliates of Truist, Truist Investment Services, Inc., and/or Truist Advisory Services, Inc. Truist Wealth, International Wealth, Center for Family Legacy, Business Owner Specialty Group, Sports and Entertainment Group, and Legal and Medical Specialty Groups are trade names used by Truist Bank, Truist Investment Services, Inc., and Truist Advisory Services, Inc.

        Applications, agreements, disclosures, and other servicing communications provided by Truist Bank and its subsidiary businesses will be provided in English. As a result, it will be necessary for customers to speak, read and understand English or to have an appropriate translator assisting them. Please note that Truist provides translations of webpages, documents and disclosures as a courtesy and in the event of any inconsistencies or discrepancies between the English content and the translated content, the English content supersedes the translation. Truist offers phone support in Spanish at 844-4TRUIST (844-487-8478), option 9. For assistance in other languages, please speak to a representative directly.

        New York City residents:

        Translation or other language access services may be available. When calling our office regarding collection activity, if you speak a language other than English and need verbal translation services, be sure to inform the representative. A description and translation of commonly-used debt collection terms is available in multiple languages at http://www.nyc.gov/dca.

        Borrowers with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) needing information can use the following resources:

        The Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (CFPB) also provides additional resources for homeowners seeking payment assistance in select languages at: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/housing/housing-insecurity/help-for-homeowners/

        Site footer

        Footer Navigation

        Banking products
        About Truist
        Resources
        Support

        © 2026, Truist. All Rights Reserved.