MarketBeatยท2025-06-24 12:33Core Viewpoint - The U.S. stock market is facing challenges near all-time highs, leading investors to consider international banking stocks as a viable option for capital preservation and income generation amidst weakening economic data and global conflicts [1][5]. Group 1: Investment Landscape - U.S. investors have historically benefited from a domestic bias, but recent performance indicates that European stocks have outperformed U.S. stocks since the end of the 2022 bear market [2][3]. - The S&P 500 has been one of the worst-performing indices in the developed world since the start of 2025, prompting a reevaluation of investment strategies [3]. Group 2: Reasons for Shifting Investment Attitudes - Differing macroeconomic environments are influencing investment decisions, with the Federal Reserve maintaining rates while the European Central Bank is cutting rates, potentially leading to stifled growth in the U.S. [8]. - The U.S. dollar is losing its status as a safe haven, as evidenced by its depreciation during market turmoil, which benefits international banks with foreign currency revenue [8]. - Attractive valuations of international banks compared to U.S. peers are drawing investor interest, as the S&P 500 trades at around 23 times 2025 earnings, while European and Canadian banks are trading at lower multiples [8]. Group 3: International Bank Stocks - Royal Bank of Canada (RY): Reported a 42% year-over-year EPS growth and record net income of $5.1 billion, driven by the acquisition of HSBC Bank Canada, with a dividend yield of 3.52% and a P/E ratio of 14.13 [11][12]. - Banco Santander (SAN): Achieved record profits with a 19% increase in income and a 26% increase in EPS year-over-year, trading at a P/E ratio of 9.20 and a dividend yield of 2.25% [13][14]. - NatWest Group (NWG): Increased income by nearly 16% year-over-year, with a dividend yield of 5.65% and a P/E ratio of 9.14, supported by strategic acquisitions and partnerships to enhance market share and efficiency [17][18].