Bank of America and Morgan Stanley cement a Wall Street revival

Published On Jan 16, 2025, 7:55 AM

Bank of America and Morgan Stanley reported more than doubling their profits in Q4 2024, marking a strong end to the year that boosts optimism for the financial sector. Both banks demonstrated significant growth in investment banking and trading due to increased market volatility, especially around the US presidential elections. Their performance indicates a broader recovery in dealmaking that many expect to continue into 2025, driven by potentially favorable regulatory changes under the incoming Trump administration. This trend is mirrored across other large banks like JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs, which also reported strong earnings, suggesting a robust future for major financial institutions.

Stock Forecasts

BAC

Positive

With the significant profit increases reported and a positive outlook on investment banking activities projected for 2025, both Bank of America and Morgan Stanley are well-positioned for growth. The broader economic conditions and potential policy changes will likely bolster their stock performance.

MS

Positive

Given the impressive earnings and optimistic future projections in the investment banking sector post-election, Morgan Stanley's stock is expected to rise as demand for their services increases and if market conditions remain favorable.

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Investors are looking to more big bank earnings and fresh retail sales data to help keep the rally going.

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SPY

While bank stocks have been supported by enthusiasm for rising deal activity, it was actually the trading side that helped Morgan Stanley more in the quarter.

The company said fourth-quarter profit more than doubled to $6.67 billion, or 82 cents per share, from a year earlier.