Blog

Unlocking Wall Street’s Secret: Why Bank Stocks Are About to Skyrocket in 2025

Hannah Perry | December 16, 2024

Responsive image

Why Wall Street Says Bank Stocks Are a Top Play for 2025

As we roll into 2025, the financial sector is riding a strong wave of optimism, with strategists backing bank stocks as a prime investment choice. Heavyweights in the field, such as Bank of America’s Savita Subramanian, BMO’s Brian Belski, and Wells Fargo’s Chris Harvey, are leading the charge, unveiling a bullish narrative that’s hard to ignore.

The Driving Forces Behind Financial Stocks

What’s fueling this enthusiasm? A perfect storm of catalysts including:

  • A robust economy
  • Anticipated deregulation under President-elect Donald Trump
  • Attractive valuations in financial stocks
  • Lower interest rates

In a recent client note, Chris Harvey emphasized the incredible pricing within this space, urging money managers to finally take notice. Meanwhile, Brian Belski voiced a similar sentiment in his 2025 outlook, pointing out how financials remain “drastically unloved,” despite strong earnings growth expectations and attractive valuations.

Market Movements Highlighting Optimism

The market is already responding positively to this upbeat sentiment. The financials sector fund (XLF) has surged nearly 7% since November 5, outpacing the broader S&P 500 benchmark. This uptick signals that smart money is beginning to flow back into the sector.

According to Alex Blostein, Senior Analyst for Goldman Sachs’s Global Investment Research, there’s approximately $7 trillion currently languishing in cash money market funds, and it’s gradually making its way into the market. He believes that this bullish momentum is expected to persist into 2025. Looks like financials are heating up, folks!

Big Bank Leaders Echoing the Optimism

Wall Street’s optimism isn’t just a game for the strategists – it’s resonating with big bank executives too. Bank of America (BAC) CEO Brian Moynihan expressed considerable confidence in the US economy under Trump, predicting that the administration will “hit the ground running.” This confidence has spread like wildfire to other banking giants, including JPMorgan (JPM) and Goldman Sachs (GS).

At the recent Goldman Sachs Financial Services conference, Goldman Sachs CFO Denis Coleman remarked on the “elevated levels of optimism” for 2025. JPMorgan’s Consumer & Community Banking CEO Marianne Lake projected a forthcoming surge in investment banking fees, showcasing how corporate dialogues are becoming more intense with an uptick in confidence among CEOs.

IPO Market on the Rebound

The IPO landscape is also lending a helping hand. Even if activity remains below the peaks of 2021, the rise in public debuts is encouraging. Dealogic reports that 158 companies have gone public in the US via traditional IPOs—signifying a 35% increase compared to 2023.

The successful debut of ServiceTitan (TTAN), which saw shares skyrocket over 40% on its first trading day, adds to the positive sentiment. With the economic indicators showing a promising recovery, it seems the IPO market is poised for greater activity next year, captivating companies who may have been on the sidelines.

The Future of Financials

There’s considerable momentum in favor of financial stocks. Aadil Zaman from Wall Street Alliance Group conveyed a bullish outlook citing a drop in the Fed’s terminal rate, which will potentially benefit banks through increased investment banking activity. In the same vein, Jake Manoukian, US Head of Investment Strategy at JPMorgan Private Bank, is keenly focused on the financial sector and asset management industries as top selections for their 2025 portfolio.

Why Republicans Favor Financials

History shows that under Republican administrations, financials often emerge as a prime trade option due to expectations of relaxed regulations. This creates a friendlier environment for banks and deal-making activity. As we brace ourselves for 2025, the bullish sentiment appears more than warranted.

So, traders, this is your signal! With strategic patience and precise timing, financial stocks could offer remarkable monthly gains in 2025. It’s time to align your portfolios with this trend and ride the upward momentum!