US Banks Navigate Challenges: Deposits Decline, Loan Risks Impact Profits


Last updated: October 14, 2024

coins_ordered_as_a_graphInflation’s retreat offers a glimmer of relief, yet the aftermath of months of soaring prices weighs heavily on a critical sector: American banks.

Major financial institutions, including Citi, JPMorgan Chase, and Wells Fargo, unveiled their earnings updates Friday, revealing enduring consumer hardship amidst persistent inflation and mounting debt, according to The New York Times.

JPMorgan and Wells Fargo signaled a mixed bag of news: a decline in total deposits prompting hikes in checking and savings account rates to lure customers, but also making borrowing less attractive.

This move undercut a primary revenue stream, balancing out any gains from higher loan interest rates.

Following Wells Fargo’s earnings report, showing a nine percent drop in net interest income to $11.9 billion, WFC shares dipped approximately six percent at the closing bell.

CEO Charles Scharf highlighted tepid loan demand from businesses as a persistent challenge.

Wells Fargo reported a slight year-over-year profit decrease to $4.9 billion, with revenues ticking up one percent to $20.7 billion.

Remediation costs, stemming from past scandals and erroneous business practices like unauthorized account openings and improper fees, continue to burden the bank.

Since a 2018 Federal Reserve asset cap in response to scandals, Wells Fargo has paid hefty fines and customer reimbursements, constraining its growth.

“We’re focused on investing in growing the business,” Scharf said on a call with analysts. “We’re focused on spending what’s necessary to build the right risk and control infrastructure.”

The bank’s report indicated declining account balances across the board, with significant increases in loan defaults year-over-year, totaling $1.3 billion. Despite inflation easing, lower-income households still grapple with its lingering effects.

Citi echoed concerns during its earnings report, noting that inflation and interest rate impacts disproportionately affect lower-income clients.

“We’re watching very closely the impact of inflation and the impact of interest rates on lower-income customers,” said Citi CFO Mark Mason, acknowledging higher-than-forecasted profits alongside a five percent drop in Citi shares due to broader market softness.

JPMorgan reported $13.1 billion in profit, tempered by half-billion-dollar losses from underperforming mortgage investments and other setbacks.

Strong showings in investment banking and trading, plus a windfall from Visa shares, buoyed their financials.

CEO Jamie Dimon underscored geopolitical uncertainties, labeling them potentially the most perilous since World War II.

While consumer banking posed challenges, institutional lending provided stability across all three banks, mitigating broader economic risks.

The takeaway: mounting credit card debts and real estate investment risks remain formidable barriers to economic recovery.

Monday saw a rebound in bank stocks amid hopes for Federal Reserve rate cuts in September and relaxed regulatory pressures ahead.

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Jon Morgan, MBA, LLM, has over ten years of experience growing startups and currently serves as CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Venture Smarter. Educated at UC Davis and Harvard, he offers deeply informed guidance. Beyond work, he enjoys spending time with family, his poodle Sophie, and learning Spanish.
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