Financial and banking ETFs are among the best-performing sector funds this year despite persistent worries over the health of the U.S. economy and Europe’s debt crisis. Regional bank ETFs have trailed their large-cap peers but that trend could reverse if the economy gets better.
Banking stocks and ETFs beat the odds in 2012, amid European debt woes and a slowdown in the credit markets. The industry has rebounded as firms have been able to replenish top line revenues and boost margins, giving hope for the sector into the new year, reports Eric Dutram for Zacks. [ETF Chart of the Day: Regional Banks]
One of the best-performing and top ranked funds is the PowerShares KBW Regional Banking ETF (NYSEArca: KBWR), which is about one year old. The index tracks all U.S. listed regional banks. The fund is up 12.5% year-to-date and 18.6% on a one year basis to the same date. KBR does well at eliminating concentration risk and overall the ETF is considered low-risk. [Large-Cap ETFs on a Roll]
SPDR S&P Regional Banking (NYSEArca: KRE) is another ETF to consider here.
Banking profits appear to be on the road to recovery because given the current economy, low valuations, and “right-sized” balance sheets, banks have more incentive to invest in themselves than invest in new loans. For this reason, many banks are buying back stock and bolstering their balance sheets.