A look around
The banking sector as a whole is not in the best shape this morning, following the overall market in a slump:
- The KBW Bank Index is down 0.87%.
- Bank of America Corp (NYSE:BAC) is also sliding, with a loss of 1.01%.
- JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) is down 0.76% in trading this morning.
- Wells Fargo & Co (NYSE:WFC) is the beacon of light this morning, with only a 0.04% drop.
International news
Japanese markets fell sharply following increased bond yields. The Nikkei 225 fell 7.3% in trading, with help from weak manufacturing data from China. With Citigroup Inc (NYSE:C), Bank of America Corp (NYSE:BAC), and JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) all heavily invested in international markets, it makes sense that the falling markets overseas would drive shares down this morning. The three banks are also in the top five that control the U.S. market for swaps, which may also be affected by this morning’s nosedive.
Citigroup Inc (NYSE:C) is the most international bank of the three, and was recently named the top foreign exchange bank in Latin America, as well as the top bank for corporates in Latin America. With its operations focusing on the emerging markets, Latin America has been a great opportunity for Citi. The improvements in LA have recently offset some of the weakness in Japan and other Asian countries for Citi, as seen in their first-quarter earnings when a 6% increase in Latin American consumer banking offset the 1% drop in Asia. If Citigroup Inc (NYSE:C) continues to pursue the developments in Latin American countries, it may be able to contain its losses from slowing Asian economies.
Closer to home
Citigroup Inc (NYSE:C) was recently reiterated as “Outperform” by Credit Suisse, with analysts increasing the bank’s price target to $60 from $53. This continued confidence in the bank may some added salt to the wounds of hedge funds that exited their positions with the bank during the first quarter. Since then, the bank has already gained 15.6% and proved that there’s more room to grow.
Though today’s drop may be disappointing for the bank and its investors, especially after such a great run over the past eight trading days, it’s a reminder that outside forces can cause quite a stir for stocks on any given day. But as depicted by Citigroup Inc (NYSE:C)’s developments in Latin America, some of the forces can be offset, leaving long-term investors with the knowledge that their stock is on the right track. With a Foolish approach to investing, this gives you the confidence to ride out any ups and downs the market can throw at you.
The article Why Citigroup Is Plummeting Today originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Jessica Alling.
Fool contributor Jessica Alling has no position in any stocks mentioned — you can contact her here. The Motley Fool owns shares of Bank of America, Citigroup, and JPMorgan Chase.
Copyright © 1995 – 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
