Looking ahead, analysts project U.S. bank earnings to expand 12.8% in 2018, and BlackRock sees “scope for this number to improve.” Furthermore, the sector is trading at cheap valuations, with U.S. banks discounted by24% compared to 5% for European banks.
Some strategists also argue that the financial sector may be a good area to look at this time around, given the potential for growth in a rising rate environment, along with potential tax and regulatory changes under the Donald Trump administration. After failing on the healthcare front, Congressional Republicans are likely to push forward with tax reform, looking to make that the centerpiece of their 2017 legislative accomplishments.
Interest rate concerns are evident following recent commentary from some big-name bank executives. Additionally, analysts have been reining in second-quarter earnings estimates for large banks, based in large part on declining net interest margins. However, financial services is widely seen as one of the few legitimate value opportunities in the U.S. equity market.
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