For years, European banks faced significant challenges, from the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) to the European sovereign debt crisis and a prolonged period of ultra-low interest rates. However, through strengthened regulations, improved capital buffers, and operational resilience, they have emerged as stronger and more competitive financial institutions.
Robert Webb — Managing Director, Portfolio Manager
Positive Outlook for U.S. Banks in 2025
The U.S. reporting season for the financial sector has kicked off, and the initial results for Q4 and guidance for 2025 have been largely positive. This optimism is reflected across both large-cap and small/mid-cap (“SMID-cap”) banks, indicating a robust financial landscape ahead, which would be beneficial for the Hamilton U.S. Mid-Cap Financials ETF (HUM)
U.S. Mid-Cap Financials — HUM Outperforms with Considerable Recovery Upside Remaining
The U.S. financials have been showing strong momentum this year outperforming the S&P 500[1], fueled by increased economic optimism and investor sentiment. The Hamilton U.S. Mid-Cap Financials ETF (HUM) has been the top performing U.S. financials/ banks ETFs in Canada since inception (see below). That said, following earnings season, the large-cap financials, which typically set the tone for the rest of the sector, are leading the…
HFG — The Secret Bull Market in Global Financials
The Hamilton Global Financials ETF (HFG) continues to benefit from excellent performance, having materially outperformed Canadian financials in the last 1, 2, and 3-year periods with lower volatility. Despite the global financial sector’s strong performance over the last six months, there has been remarkably little discussion about it as current interests (AI, the “magnificent 7”, and a fixation on the Federal Reserve/the path for interest rates)…