Big U.S. banks' lobbying spend jumped 12% last year, the most in more than a decade, as they intensified efforts to navigate major policy flux in Washington under President Donald Trump's administrati... ...

Core Viewpoint - The recent volatility in precious metal prices, particularly gold and silver, has led investment banks to increase their bullish positions on gold while cautioning against heavy investments in silver [1][4]. Group 1: Gold Market Analysis - Gold prices experienced a significant drop, falling below $4,800, after a brief rebound earlier in the week [1]. - Despite the recent sell-off, many market observers, including UBS and Goldman Sachs, maintain a bullish outlook on gold, predicting prices could reach $6,200 next month and $5,900 by year-end [2][3]. - UBS identifies that the current sell-off is a normal fluctuation within a structural uptrend, with no signs of a bull market ending [2]. - Goldman Sachs forecasts a price of $5,400 per ounce by December 2026, supported by central banks increasing gold reserves and private investors boosting gold ETF purchases [2]. Group 2: Silver Market Analysis - Silver prices have seen a dramatic decline of over 30% from recent highs, with UBS suggesting that further declines are necessary for the metal to become attractive for investment [4][5]. - UBS highlights that silver's industrial demand complicates its price dynamics, as rising prices may suppress industrial usage [5]. - Analysts from Goldman Sachs express caution regarding silver due to liquidity issues in the London market, which exacerbate price volatility [5]. - American Bank also holds a cautiously optimistic view on silver but notes potential upward resistance from declining solar panel demand [5]. Group 3: Market Volatility and Investor Sentiment - The recent volatility in precious metals has created opportunities for investors seeking returns, despite the associated risks [2]. - UBS emphasizes the need for investors to carefully assess the expected returns on highly volatile assets like silver, which currently do not meet the required return thresholds [4]. - The market remains sensitive to geopolitical tensions and monetary policy changes, which could influence precious metal prices moving forward [1][3].

What is the biggest driver. Because that need to consolidate has been around. Is it just that the regulation is letting the banks do this now.Well, scale has never been more important. And to put things in context, the bank that just sold, it takes them it would have taken them a decade and a half of spending to equal what JPMorgan's going to be spending just on technology this year. So it's never been more competitive.But, also, the regulatory environment, it suppressed the level of bank mergers. I think t ...

Group 1 - The issuer of the securities is F.I.S. – Fabbrica Italiana Sintetici S.p.A, with an aggregate nominal amount of EUR 300 million and EUR 470 million [3] - The securities include a fixed-rate senior secured note (SSN FXD) due on February 5, 2031, and a floating-rate senior secured note (SSN FRN) [3] - The offer price for both types of securities is set at 100 [3] Group 2 - No stabilization activities were conducted by the Stabilisation Managers in relation to the securities offer [2] - The Stabilisation Managers include BNP Paribas, Goldman Sachs International, and several other major financial institutions [4] - The announcement clarifies that the securities are not offered for sale in the United States and have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 [5]

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Feb. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Bank of America Corporation today announced the Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend on Bank of America common stock of $0.28 per share, payable on March 27, 2026 to shareholders of record as of March 6, 2026. The Board also declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $1.75 per share on the 7% Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, Series B. The dividend is payable on April 24, 2026 to shareholders of record as of April 10, 2026. Bank ...

Core Viewpoint - Bank of America has raised its expectations for U.S. equities, indicating a potential 12% price gain for the S&P 500 over the next year, suggesting a constructive outlook for stocks despite strong sentiment [1]. Group 1: Sell Side Indicator - The Sell Side Indicator, which reflects the average equity allocation recommended by Wall Street strategists, has increased slightly in January, reaching its most optimistic level since March 2025 [2]. - The indicator continues to signal bullishness under Bank of America's contrarian approach, which is most positive when strategists are cautious and most negative during extreme optimism [3]. Group 2: Market Conditions - Although strategist positioning is approaching caution levels, it remains below historical thresholds associated with major market peaks, indicating resilience in January's market performance [4]. - The S&P 500 finished January higher despite a mid-month pullback due to geopolitical concerns, reflecting the market's resilience [4]. Group 3: Fundamentals and Earnings - Supportive fundamentals are noted, with steady equity exposure from strategists indicating confidence in corporate earnings [5]. - Early results from the current reporting season show no downward revisions to 2026 profit expectations, with consensus forecasts predicting double-digit earnings growth for the next year [5]. - Corporate commentary suggests robust confidence, with signs of weakening demand becoming less frequent [5].

Core Insights - Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) is one of the largest publicly traded asset managers, with recent price target adjustments from Truist Securities and TD Cowen reflecting changes in market expectations and performance metrics [1][4]. Group 1: Price Target Adjustments - Truist Securities lowered its price target for Bank of America from $62 to $60 while maintaining a Buy rating, indicating minor adjustments in provision estimates and plans to halt share buybacks [1]. - TD Cowen also reduced its price target for Bank of America from $66 to $64 following the bank's fourth-quarter 2025 core EPS of $0.98, which surpassed market expectations due to decreased provisions and moderate net interest income growth [4]. Group 2: Operating Leverage Predictions - Bank of America's model now predicts 160 basis points of positive operating leverage in 2026, which is significantly lower than the bank's previous guidance of 200 basis points, with a target of 200 basis points for 2027 [3]. Group 3: Business Overview - Bank of America, through its subsidiaries, offers a wide range of financial products and services to individual consumers, small- and middle-market businesses, institutional investors, large corporations, and governments globally [5].

Group 1 - The market is expected to enter a medium to long-term consolidation phase after a short-term momentum decline [10] - The Shanghai government has initiated a program to purchase second-hand housing for affordable rental housing projects, targeting new citizens, young people, and graduates [5] - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has approved a new national standard for automotive door handles, set to be implemented in 2027, addressing safety and usability issues [5] Group 2 - The National Development and Reform Commission and other departments have released guidelines for the construction of a low-altitude economy standard system, aiming for over 300 standards by 2030 [3] - The Ministry of Finance has introduced a temporary method for long-term asset input tax deduction, allowing full deduction for mixed-use assets upon purchase [4] - The stock of Guokai Military Industry has experienced significant price fluctuations, with a recent announcement clarifying that its commercial aerospace projects are still in the R&D phase and have minimal impact on revenue [7]

Group 1 - The influx of new residents to smaller cities like Indianapolis, Columbus, and Denver is driven by the search for a lower cost of living, but this may lead to increased pressure on rent rates and housing prices if housing supply does not keep pace with demand [1][1][1] - Population growth in these cities can create a cycle where affordability attracts more people, which in turn drives up costs, as noted by housing experts [1][1][1] - Local leaders are focused on promoting economic growth while managing the challenge of rising living costs, as seen in Denver where the economic development agency is tasked with ensuring housing stock meets demand [1][1][1] Group 2 - The construction of high-end homes has increased, partly due to a growing wealth gap, which may limit the availability of moderately-priced housing options [1][1][1] - A significant number of apartments (18,000 to 20,000) have entered the market in Denver, contributing to a decrease in rent prices, but maintaining this trend is crucial to avoid market disruptions [1][1][1] - The volume of Americans relocating has decreased by over 50% since 2021, with many choosing to stay within the same metro area, indicating a shift in mobility patterns influenced by housing affordability [1][1][1]

Core Viewpoint - Gold prices experienced significant volatility, with a historic drop following a period of irrational exuberance, raising questions about its status as a safe-haven asset [1][2][3] Group 1: Market Dynamics - Gold surged to historical highs at the beginning of the year but faced a drastic decline, with a drop of approximately 10% on February 2, nearing the $4400 mark [1] - The implied volatility of SPDR Gold Shares reached an all-time high relative to the S&P 500 index, indicating increased market uncertainty [1] - Analysts suggest that the recent sell-off may not be entirely negative, as it could represent a necessary correction after excessive speculation [1] Group 2: Influencing Factors - The nomination of Kevin Warsh as the new Federal Reserve Chair, perceived as more hawkish, contributed to a rebound in the dollar and subsequent sell-off in gold [2] - Geopolitical tensions and trade wars initially drove investors towards gold, but the rapid price increase led to significant profit-taking [1][2] - The current bull market in gold is primarily driven by massive capital inflows, estimated at around $1 trillion, rather than central bank purchases [2] Group 3: Future Outlook - Despite recent volatility, some analysts maintain a bullish outlook on gold, viewing it as a hedge against currency devaluation [3][4] - Geopolitical risks remain elevated, which could continue to support gold prices in the short term [3] - Morgan Stanley predicts that gold could reach $6300 per ounce by the end of 2026, driven by sustained demand from central banks and investors [4]