Skip to content

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

US bank shares earnings grow, but yields highlight potential catch up for UK banks

US banks have kicked off earnings season in style, but relative yields point towards a possible catch up for UK banks.

US bank shares Source: Bloomberg

US banks could kick off earnings season with a bang

Today sees the US banks kick off quarter one (Q1) earnings season in the region, with strong numbers from Goldman Sachs, Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase highlighting the potential strength we could see in the sector over the coming days. Undoubtedly, US banks have significantly outperformed their counterparts over the years, thanks to a number of factors.

For one thing, the US banking sector involves a significant amount of investment banks, meaning that they can typically generate good revenues from trading even when the retail side of the industry struggles with low margins or economic strife.

In the UK we have seen significant anxiety over the potential impact Brexit might have upon the economic growth in the region. While we are yet to quantify exactly how much Brexit has impacted the country, there is no doubt that we have seen much of the fear around the event overshadowed by the pandemic. Instead, the UK is deemed to be outperforming mainland Europe based simply on relative vaccination efforts.

As such, a cloud has been lifted that has loomed large over the UK economy in recent years. That build up in fear around Brexit can be seen below, with the differential between the UK and US 10 year yield growing as we approached the deadline. However, we have now seen that relationship normalise somewhat, reflecting growing confidence in the UK economy.

US VS UK Yield Source: TradingView
US VS UK Yield Source: TradingView

Will UK banks follow improved attitudes towards UK growth?

The UK economy has been viewed in a more positive light following the swift vaccination efforts seen over the course of the past few months. Rapid inoculations against Covid-19 have helped to alleviate fears over further waves of lockdowns.

Meanwhile, Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s supportive stance has helped to stave off much of the catastrophic outcomes that would ordinarily result from such a long shut down.

The ability to avoid widespread losses for employer and employee alike brings benefits for banks that had set aside billions as loans go bad. However, we have seen UK banks lag well behind their US counterparts in what looks to be a continuation of the wider long-term trend. The chart below highlights how UK banks have continuously underperformed against their US peers, with the trend showing little signs of turning around yet.

However, that chart also highlights that same catchup in UK yields, reflecting growing confidence in the economic recovery relative to the US. By overlaying the two lines, with can see that recent months have seen a major disconnect between perceived economic strength and the performance of US vs UK banks.

With that in mind, perhaps UK banks are due a strong rebound as the dust settles to find banks in relatively good shape and Brexit anxiety in the rear-view mirror. Whether we see US economic outperformance drive yields dramatically higher to lift the relative yields line, or UK banks start to play catch up remains to be seen. In any case, it seems the perception of relative economic strength on the treasury markets are disconnected from banking sector performance of late.

Banks and yield chart Source:TradingView
Banks and yield chart Source:TradingView

From a wider perspective, the monthly chart highlights the long term descending channel seen in the decade leading to the pandemic. It is noticeable that the sector suffered in the years leading up to the Brexit deadline.

However, with the uncertainty around Brexit finally dissipating, there is a chance we could see this market target a move back towards the upper threshold of that decade-long channel.

This information has been prepared by IG, a trading name of IG Markets Ltd and IG Markets South Africa Limited. In addition to the disclaimer below, the material on this page does not contain a record of our trading prices, or an offer of, or solicitation for, a transaction in any financial instrument. IG accepts no responsibility for any use that may be made of these comments and for any consequences that result. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. Consequently any person acting on it does so entirely at their own risk. Any research provided does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and needs of any specific person who may receive it. It has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. Although we are not specifically constrained from dealing ahead of our recommendations we do not seek to take advantage of them before they are provided to our clients. See full non-independent research disclaimer and quarterly summary.

Seize a share opportunity today

Go long or short on thousands of international stocks.

  • Increase your market exposure with leverage
  • Get spreads from just 0.1% on major global shares
  • Trade CFDs straight into order books with direct market access
Learn more

Live prices on most popular markets

  • Forex
  • Shares
  • Indices

Prices above are subject to our website terms and agreements. Prices are indicative only

Plan your trading week

Get the week’s market-moving news sent directly to your inbox every Monday. The Week Ahead gives you a full calendar of upcoming economic events, as well as commentary from our expert analysts on the key markets to watch.

You might be interested in…

<h3>How much does trading cost?</h3>
<h3>Find out about IG</h3>
<h3>Plan your trading</h3>

Find out what charges your trades could incur with our transparent fee structure.

Discover why so many clients choose us, and what makes us a world-leading provider of CFDs.

Stay on top of upcoming market-moving events with our customisable economic calendar.