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Bank Stocks

Bank stocks are companies that operate checking and savings deposits and make loans. Referred to as financial intermediaries, banks are the middlemen between account-holding depositors and loan-seeking businesses and individuals. A favorite among buy-and-hold investors like Warren Buffett, banks serve an important function in regulating the money supply of the country and are thus viewed as a relatively future-proof industry.

Recent Bank Stocks Articles

Look to Spanish Banks for a Year-End Rally

Sure, the problem with Spanish banks is that they're located in Spain, but a couple picks draw much of their business from Latin America.

Put on Your Rally Caps! — Monday’s IP Market Recap

Shares of Apple surged up over 6% on the day, and combined with optimism over the fiscal cliff discussions and housing news, markets rose broadly on the day

Credit Card Debt, Late Payments Rise

Americans grew their credit card balances during the third quarter as late payments on that debt ticked up slightly.

Even Mighty Goldman Is Pinching Pennies

Naming the fewest new partners in a decade is just one sign of The Street's new reality. Incredibly, Goldman Sachs is now aiming to be a low-cost provider.

V.me: Visa’s Digital Wallet Gets Big Boost

Visa has launched V.me an online payment system linking credit and debit cards from more than 50 banks and credit unions.

Panic Selling in Financials Was Just That: Panic

The pullback in financials this week was a knee-jerk overreaction that doesn't give the sector credit for soldiering on through regulation.

Dow Takes Worst Bath in a Year — Wednesday’s IP Market Recap

The Dow fell a 52-week worst 313 points on Wednesday as the markets fell to a post-election hangover and unsettling economic news out of Europe.

Intrade: A Beacon of Clarity in a Messy Election

The financial markets seem surprised by Obama's victory, but Intrade bettors certainly weren't. Polls and media coverage can mislead -- money talks.

There’s More to Housing’s Rebound Than QE3

The rebound in housing feels real, but it will take longer than usual to get back to normal. If you want to play, get diversified.

Goldman Sachs May Cash In on UBS’ Retreat

The big margin on Wall Street in is bonds -- and a major player just bowed out.

Surging Credit Card Stocks Show Economy on the Mend

After a long period of retrenching, it's actually good to see American consumers taking on more debt. It means the economy is on the mend.

Small-Business Lending: Who Doing It?

The big banks sure aren't. Here are three smaller names that are. And they're doing so in a way that makes them worth considering as investments.

Pandit Leaves Citigroup, ‘Paltry’ Pay Behind

Pandit led Citigroup through the financial crisis and brought the giant bank back to profitability, and all he gets is a lousy $15 million? No wonder he left.

Monday Apple Rumors: 13-Inch Retina MacBook Pro Coming

Apple will launch a 13-inch MacBook Pro alongside the iPad Mini next week; Apple will soon debut thinner iMacs; TSMC will supply 20nm chips to Apple in 2014.

JPMorgan & Wells Fargo: No Match for Great Expectations

Despite beating expectations for quarterly results, JPM and WFC are selling off in Friday trading -- a worrisome sight for other financials ready to report.

Thursday Apple Rumors: Will Apple Make a TV Remote Control?

A Barclays analyst says Apple could make a TV remote control; Apple gets a sales ban delayed in South Korea; and Macs increase their PC market share.

Can Banks’ Big Rally Keep Running?

Despite a weak economy, legal settlements, trading debacles and fresh lawsuits, it's been a great year to be an investor in bank stocks.

Meet the 10 Most Powerful Women in Banking

What glass ceiling? These females are big names at some very big banks.

Bank Stocks Rule the Day — Thursday’s IP Market Recap

Markets were up across the board Thursday, buoyed by assurances from European Central Bank president Draghi and positive domestic data.