Core Insights - Big banks have reported mixed fourth quarter earnings for their investment banking businesses despite a strong IPO market in 2025, which did not significantly boost share prices as investors had higher expectations going into the earnings season [1] Group 1: Company Performance - Citi reported a 35% increase in investment banking fees, reaching $1.29 billion, as part of its efforts to enhance investment banking performance under CEO Jane Fraser [1] - The revenue from advisory services, which includes guiding companies on significant transactions like mergers and acquisitions, surged by 84% year-over-year, contributing to the overall increase in investment banking fees [2] - This increase in advisory revenue more than compensated for a 16% decline in equity underwriting compared to the previous year [2]

Core Viewpoint - Major U.S. banks are warning that President Trump's proposed cap on credit card interest rates could negatively impact lower-income consumers, the economy, and their profitability [1][2]. Group 1: Bank Executives' Opinions - Executives from JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo agree that while affordability is a concern, capping credit card interest rates is not the appropriate solution [2][3]. - Citigroup's outgoing CFO Mark Mason stated that an interest rate cap could lead to a significant economic slowdown and emphasized the need for collaboration with the administration on affordability issues [3]. - Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan argued that lowering interest rate caps would restrict credit availability, resulting in fewer credit card approvals and lower credit limits for consumers [4]. Group 2: Market Reactions - Shares of Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Citigroup, and JPMorgan Chase have experienced declines between 5% and 8% over the past week [5]. - JPMorgan and Citigroup reported a decline in net income compared to the fourth quarter of 2024, while Wells Fargo and Bank of America saw an increase [5]. Group 3: Presidential Proposal - President Trump proposed a one-year cap on credit card interest rates at 10%, threatening banks with violations if they do not comply by January 20 [6]. - Analysts have raised questions about how the cap would be implemented without an executive order, voluntary action, or legislative approval [6]. Group 4: Impact on Consumers - JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon highlighted that the proposed cap would have a dramatic impact on subprime customers [7]. - Wells Fargo CEO Charles Scharf expressed alignment with the goal of improving affordability and finding solutions to assist consumers [7].

Core Viewpoint - Analysts at Citi predict that Brent Crude prices could reach $70 per barrel in the next three months due to increased geopolitical risks, raising their short-term outlook from $65 to $70 per barrel [1]. Group 1: Price Movements and Market Reactions - Early trading saw Brent Crude prices rise by 1% to above $66 per barrel as the market began to factor in potential U.S. military action against Iran and possible supply disruptions in the region [2]. - Citi analysts believe that the current oil rally has the potential to exceed their previous forecast range of $55-65 per barrel in the coming days [2]. Group 2: Supply Dynamics and Geopolitical Context - The current market is described as oversupplied, with looser fundamental balances compared to previous U.S. strikes on Iran, suggesting that any price spikes may allow for producer hedging [3]. - Protests in Iran are occurring far from key oil-producing regions, which mitigates the risk of immediate physical supply disruptions, keeping the impact on Iranian crude supply and export flows limited [4]. Group 3: Investment Recommendations - Citi advises investors to sell any Brent price rally that exceeds $70 per barrel, as market balances are expected to loosen further in the first half of the year [5].

Core Insights - Citi's Treasury and Trade Solutions (TTS) performance reflects a broader industry trend where embedded, cross-border financial infrastructure is increasingly valuable due to supply chain reconfiguration, regulatory complexity, and demand for real-time liquidity management [1][12] - The strategic shift towards transaction banking, including payments, liquidity, custody, and cross-border settlement, has driven growth alongside M&A advisory gains [2][4] Financial Performance - In Q4 2025, Citi reported a net income of $2.5 billion on revenues of $19.9 billion, with an 84% increase in M&A advisory fees [4] - For the fiscal year 2025, Citi's Services business generated approximately $21 billion in revenue, an 8% year-over-year increase, with returns on tangible common equity nearing 30% on an adjusted basis [6] Transaction Banking Evolution - Citi's TTS processed millions of payments daily across over 90 countries, with cross-border transaction values growing at a double-digit rate in 2025 [7] - The cost structure of transaction banking is changing due to modernization efforts, moving from legacy systems to technology-enabled services platforms [8][9] Technological Advancements - Citi's multiyear investment in data platforms and automation has significantly reduced operational risk and marginal costs in high-volume businesses like TTS [9][10] - AI and automation have improved control assessments and customer self-service, enhancing processing efficiency in transaction banking [10] Strategic Importance of Embedded Services - The growing importance of embedded financial services is evident as transaction banking becomes integral to clients' daily operations, such as payroll and supplier payments [11] - In 2025, Citi's offerings in cross-border transactions and commercial card spend reflect a trend towards real-time settlement and programmable money [12] Industry Context - The performance of Citi's TTS is indicative of a financial services landscape where scale, technology, and regulatory competence are converging [14] - While FinTech firms have made progress in payments and cash management, barriers to entry remain high in the institutional market, favoring incumbents with established infrastructure [15]

Financial Performance Highlights - The company reported revenues of $85.2 billion, up 6% year-over-year[9], or $86.4 billion excluding notable items, up 7% year-over-year[9] - Net income was $14.3 billion, up 13% year-over-year[9], or $16.1 billion excluding notable items, up 27% year-over-year[9] - Earnings per share (EPS) was $6.99, or $7.97 excluding notable items[9] - The company's Return on Tangible Common Equity (RoTCE) was 7.7%, up 70 bps year-over-year[9], or 8.8% excluding notable items, up 180 bps year-over-year[9] Business Segment Results - Services revenues reached $21.3 billion[11], up 8% year-over-year[32] - Markets revenues totaled $22.0 billion[11], up 11% year-over-year[37] - Banking revenues were $8.2 billion[11], up 32% year-over-year[41] - Wealth revenues amounted to $8.6 billion[11], up 14% year-over-year[46] - U S Personal Banking (USPB) revenues were $21.0 billion[11], up 5% year-over-year[54] Capital and Liquidity - The company's Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) Capital Ratio was 13.2%, approximately 160 bps above regulatory requirements[9, 27] - The company returned over $17.5 billion to common shareholders, including $13.25 billion in share repurchases[9] Outlook - The company projects Net Interest Income (NII) excluding Markets to grow by 5-6% year-over-year in 2026[67] - The company is targeting an efficiency ratio of approximately 60% and positive operating leverage for 2026[69] - The company is targeting a return of 10-11% in 2026[72]

Investors were selling bank stocks Tuesday morning after three of the nation's largest banks—Citigroup, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo—reported mixed fourth-quarter earnings. Wells Fargo and Bank of America dropped 4.7% and 4.6%, respectively. Citigroup was down 2.2%. Shares of other banks that have yet to report earnings were falling, too, and the KBW Nasdaq Bank Index was down 1.2%. Wells Fargo's fourth-quarter earnings of $1.62 a share missed Wall Street analyst estimates of $1.66, according to FactSet ...

Citigroup’s fourth-quarter profit plunged 13% as the financial behemoth grappled with massive charges from dumping its Russia operations amid the war in Ukraine, but it wrapped up 2025 on a high note with beefier annual earnings as a surge in dealmaking helped boost investment banking fees.The Jane Fraser-led New York powerhouse posted net income, which is profit after taxes and expenses, of $2.5 billion for October through December, down from $2.9 billion a year prior. “2025 was a year of significant progr ...

Financial Performance - Citigroup reported a consolidated net income of $4.5 billion for Q4 2025, reflecting a 10% increase year-over-year[1]. - Total Citigroup revenues reached $20 billion in Q4 2025, with net interest income (NII) contributing $12 billion, up 8% from the previous year[1]. - Citigroup reported net revenues of $21,596 million for Q4 2025, a 10% increase from Q4 2024, and full-year revenues of $85,225 million, reflecting a 6% increase compared to FY 2024[2]. - Citigroup's net income for Q4 2025 was $4,064 million, a 34% decrease from Q4 2024, while full-year net income reached $14,306 million, a 13% increase from FY 2024[2]. - Citigroup's net income for FY 2025 was $14,306 million, reflecting a 13% increase from FY 2024[7]. - Total Citigroup reported revenues for FY 2025 reached $85.225 billion, reflecting a 6% increase compared to FY 2024's $80.722 billion[93]. - Total Citigroup Net Income for FY 2025 was reported at $14.306 billion, reflecting a 13% increase compared to FY 2024's $12.682 billion[97]. Revenue Breakdown - Non-Interest Revenues (NIR) accounted for $8 billion, representing a 12% increase compared to Q4 2024[1]. - Total non-interest revenues (NIR) decreased by 4% to $25,433 million in FY 2025 compared to FY 2024[7]. - Services revenue for Q4 2025 reached $5,942 million, an increase of 11% from Q3 2025 and 15% year-over-year[15]. - Corporate lending revenues for Q4 2025 were $938 million, a decrease of 5% from Q3 2025 but a significant increase of 197% year-over-year[104]. - Legacy franchises revenues for FY 2025 were $5,512 million, a 19% decrease from FY 2024[101]. Operating Expenses - Citigroup's total operating expenses for Q4 2025 were $14 billion, which is a 4% increase year-over-year[1]. - Operating expenses for Q4 2025 were $13,425 million, up 6% year-over-year, with full-year operating expenses totaling $55,132 million, a 3% increase from FY 2024[2]. - Total operating expenses for FY 2025 were reported at $55.132 billion, a 3% increase from FY 2024's $53.567 billion[95]. - Total operating expenses for FY 2025 were $6,040 million, a 14% decrease from FY 2024[104]. Capital and Assets - The Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) capital ratio stood at 12.5%, indicating a strong capital position[1]. - The Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) Capital ratio stood at 13.41% for Q4 2025, while the Tier 1 Capital ratio was 15.10%[3]. - Total assets increased to $2,571.5 billion in Q4 2025, reflecting a 13% increase from the previous year[2]. - Total end-of-period assets reached $86 billion in Q4 2025, a 16% increase from Q4 2024[49]. Loans and Deposits - Total loans reached $702.1 billion in Q4 2025, marking an 8% increase year-over-year, while total deposits were $1,316.4 billion, a 9% increase from Q4 2024[2]. - Total end-of-period loans as reported for Q4 2025 were $752 million, an 8% increase from Q4 2024's $695 million[93]. - Total end-of-period deposits as reported for Q4 2025 reached $1.404 billion, a 9% increase from Q4 2024's $1.285 billion[93]. Credit Losses and Provisions - The allowance for credit losses (ACL) was reported at $3 billion, with a decrease of 5% from the previous quarter[1]. - Net credit losses (NCLs) for Q4 2025 were $2,459 million, a 1% increase from Q4 2024, with total NCLs for FY 2025 at $9,097 million, a 1% increase compared to FY 2024[2]. - The total allowance for credit losses (ACL) was $19,247 million, with a ratio of 2.58%[76]. - The net credit losses (NCLs) for the quarter were $(2,190) million, showing a 1% decrease compared to $(2,234) million in the previous quarter[79]. Strategic Initiatives - The company plans to expand its wealth management services, targeting a 15% growth in client assets by 2026[1]. - Citigroup is investing in new technology platforms, with a budget of $1 billion allocated for digital transformation initiatives in 2026[1]. - Citigroup's market expansion strategy includes entering three new international markets by the end of 2026[1]. Efficiency and Returns - The efficiency ratio improved to 62.2% in Q4 2025, compared to 67.1% in Q4 2024, indicating better cost management[2]. - The return on common equity (RoCE) for FY 2025 is 8.0%, compared to 5.1% in FY 2024, indicating a significant improvement[90]. - The return on tangible common equity (RoTCE) for FY 2025 was 11.6%, an increase of 250 basis points from 9.1% in FY 2024[24].

NEW YORK (AP) — Setting aside their current fight with the White House, things are looking good on Wall Street. The latest trio of big banks reported their results Wednesday — Bank of America, Citigroup and Wells Fargo — and while each of them do different flavors of banking the theme is the same: profits are up, dealmaking is healthy, and the consumer is doing just fine. “While any number of risks continue, we are bullish on the U.S. economy in 2026,” said Brian Moynihan, CEO and chairman of Bank of Am ...

Wall Street's main indexes slid for the second straight day as investors parsed results from Bank of America and Citigroup, while data for retail sales and producer prices did little to shake expectations for interest-rate cuts later this year. ...