The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Wells Fargo, Citigroup, Bank of America, Morgan Stanley and JPMorgan Chase
CHICAGO, Aug. 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include the Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC-Free Report), Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C-Free Report), Bank of America Corp. (NYSE:BAC-Free Report), Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS-Free Report) and JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM-Free Report).
Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Get #1Stock of the Day pick for free.
Here are highlights from Monday's Analyst Blog:
More Banks Consider Move to Ireland
Regulatory investigations on banks remained in place, but active restructuring activities and steps to improve revenues by some of the banks were more prominent in the last five trading days. Optimism was surrounded by banks' efforts to move London-based activities to Ireland amid rising concerns over UK's exit from the European Union ('EU').
Such move is expected to benefit banks from the low corporate tax rate, English speaking population, English-style official system and Eurozone membership of Ireland going forward.
Moreover, to improve mortgage revenues, Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC-Free Report) increased incentives for efficient loan officers.
However, the regulators' announcement that enforcement actions are being planned against banks for allegedly rigging the currency rates was on the downside. Nevertheless, the law-enforcement agencies are trying to make fast-track settlements with the banks in order to avoid lengthy litigations. According to us, this will work in favor of the banks too, as many of them are currently facing several other probes and litigations, thus hampering their financials.
(Read last to last week's developments: Bank Stock Round up for Aug 11, 2014)
Recap of the Week's Most Important Developments:
1. Amid growing concerns regarding UK's exit from the EU, several U.S. banks are contemplating to shift their London based operations to Ireland. The report refers to Wall Street giants like Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C-Free Report), Bank of America Corp. (NYSE:BAC-Free Report) and Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS-Free Report) that are eying Ireland as a probable location if it becomes necessary to leave U.K. Ireland has several positives that are luring U.S banks to shift their operations from UK in the event the latter leaves the Eurozone.
2. In an endeavor to drive up declining mortgage revenues, Wells Fargo is boosting employees' payoff. As the housing market in the U.S. is improving with demand for new home purchases, the company's mortgage businesses – being one of the biggest in the U.S. – is striving for the greater market share.
In a telephone conversation with Franklin Codel, supervising mortgage origination for Wells Fargo, it has been noted that Wells Fargo has revised its pay plan beginning the current year. However, the latest modifications have been made in order to recruit and retain employees, particularly efficient loan officers. The new plan is applicable throughout 2015 and changes could be made, if necessary.
The top tier commission rate for the loan officers increased to 70 basis points (bps) or 0.7% from 63 bps. This reflects a base commission of $11,200 in a month for an employee who closes loans of $1.6 million.
3. Major global banks have been notified by the regulators that enforcement actions are being planned against them for alleged rigging of currency rates. At the same time, talks to settle those investigations are in progress between the banks and the U.S. Federal Reserve and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.
The enforcement actions could lead to cease-and-desist orders, penalties or banning of bankers from the industry. Additionally, banks like JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM-Free Report), Citigroup and Morgan Stanley, among others, have been sent letters outlining the exact finding and a note of caution regarding imminent enforcement actions.
Regulators across the globe are urgently addressing the allegations of banks rigging WM/Reuters rates, which are used for determining foreign exchange prices. (Read more: Banks in Talks to Settle Currency-Rigging Investigations?)
4. JPMorgan has been sued by an Indianapolis-based Episcopal church over the fraud and mismanagement of its trust accounts. The Christ Church Cathedral filed a lawsuit in a U.S. District Court claiming that the bank, by purchasing more than 177 unsuitable investment products using the church funds between 2004 and 2013, caused a loss worth $13 million to the church. (Read more: JPMorgan (JPM) Sued over Mismanaging Church Trust Assets)
Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Get #1Stock of the Day pick for free.
About Zacks Equity Research
Zacks Equity Research provides the best of quantitative and qualitative analysis to help investors know what stocks to buy and which to sell for the long-term.
Continuous coverage is provided for a universe of 1,150 publicly traded stocks. Our analysts are organized by industry which gives them keen insights to developments that affect company profits and stock performance. Recommendations and target prices are six-month time horizons.
Zacks "Profit from the Pros" e-mail newsletter provides highlights of the latest analysis from Zacks Equity Research. Subscribe to this free newsletter today.
About Zacks
Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1978. The later formation of the Zacks Rank, a proprietary stock picking system; continues to outperform the market by nearly a 3 to 1 margin. The best way to unlock the profitable stock recommendations and market insights of Zacks Investment Research is through our free daily email newsletter; Profit from the Pros. In short, it's your steady flow of Profitable ideas GUARANTEED to be worth your time! Register for your free subscription to Profit from the Pros.
Get the full Report on WFC - FREE
Get the full Report on C - FREE
Get the full Report on BAC - FREE
Get the full Report on MS - FREE
Get the full Report on JPM - FREE
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/zacksresearch
Join us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Zacks-Investment-Research/57553657748?ref=ts
Zacks Investment Research is under common control with affiliated entities (including a broker-dealer and an investment adviser), which may engage in transactions involving the foregoing securities for the clients of such affiliates.
Media Contact
Zacks Investment Research
800-767-3771 ext. 9339
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit http://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101027/ZIRLOGO
SOURCE Zacks Investment Research, Inc.
Share this article