Bank of America, Citi, Wells, RBS, up, up, UP! Shares in banking companies sashayed higher today … and no-one could really explain why.
Many of these shares were bludgeoned by investors during the early part of this week, particularly Bank of America. The company’s shares lurched bank and forth in trading during the week: they plummeted 20 percent on Monday, recovered a little ground on Tuesday, and fell another 11 percent on Wednesday. They’re now down about 17 percent on the week.
BAC was probably the worst hit, but few financials escaped unscathed. Some investors explained the declines by citing concernsabout the economy, the housing market and the Eurozone. Others noted that those concerns have been hanging over the market for weeks, and there’s no new news driving financials back up again.
Actually, not all financials are up. Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan and Morgan Stanley were all lower in midday trading. Really? GS down and BAC up? How do you explain that?
You don’t. Or at least none of the usual sources have today. Traders and analysts seem to be dodging the question. Reporters don’t even seem to be asking the question.
Mayhem!
**Marketplace examines the disconnect between the markets and the economy. Every day, we’re reporting on the divide between Wall Street and Main Street, and on what’s being done about it. Follow our up-to-the-minute coverage of the markets and economy in our special section and blog Market Mayhem/Economic Standstill.****
Stories You Might Like
There’s a lot happening in the world. Through it all, Marketplace is here for you.
You rely on Marketplace to break down the world’s events and tell you how it affects you in a fact-based, approachable way. We rely on your financial support to keep making that possible.
Your donation today powers the independent journalism that you rely on. For just $5/month, you can help sustain Marketplace so we can keep reporting on the things that matter to you.
