Financial stocks and ETFs generally weakened along with the overall stock markets on Monday, as investors digested overseas news and market volatility. Some financial services holdings, though, fell further than their counterparts.
The Financial Select Sector SPDR (XLF) moved down about 4.2%, roughly the same decline as the S&P 500, which fell 4% vs. the Dow Jones' 3.6% drop. However, the Vanguard Financials ETF (VFH) dropped 4.4% and iShares U.S. Financials ETF (IYF) weakened 4.3% late Monday.
Some analysts think bank stocks in particular are moving in response to concerns that low interest rates will continue. Momentum investors, they point out, tend to buy bank stocks in reaction to rising rates.
On Monday, Bank of America (BAC) was upgraded by Keefe, Bruyette & Woods equity analyst Christopher Mutascio. The bank's shares are trading at near $15.30 and were down about 5% late-Monday. Mutascio's price target is $20.
BofA has limited exposure in China and rising earnings estimates.
