In July 2012, bank stock prices generally declined with the SNL U.S. Bank Index declining 0.92% while the broader S&P 500 grew 1.26%. Banks below $250 million suffered the greatest decline in market value dropping 9.31% in July while, public banks between $250 and $500 million reported the largest value gain at 1.65% followed by banks $500 million to $1 billion at 1.60%.
Public banks saw flat earnings despite an improvement in asset quality and charge-offs in the first quarter of 2012. Margin pressure, higher expenses and weak loan demand continue to plague the banking sector as impacted by anemic job growth and a contracting manufacturing sector.
A one-year index of bank stock price performance data and market performance data by region. In this month’s report, the update includes data for publicly-traded bank stock prices.
More information regarding nationwide M&A activity can be found here.