Trading frenzy boosts brokerages and Wall Street banks

As we speak’s agenda: HSBC’s retail banking evaluate; Trump invitations Xi to inauguration; SEC sues Cantor Fitzgerald; Massive Learn on Britain’s housebuilding woes; and from FT Journal, the El Husseinys’ fall

Good morning. We finish this week with a have a look at how Donald Trump’s election win has sparked a buying and selling frenzy, as expectations for sweeping coverage adjustments have added gasoline to a US inventory rally.

How large is the soar? Buying and selling volumes in US equities rose 38 per cent in November from the identical month in 2023, reaching ranges not seen for the reason that meme inventory craze of early 2021, in keeping with exchanges operator Cboe World Markets. Buying and selling exercise has been boosted extra broadly by a powerful yr in US markets, with Wall Avenue’s S&P 500 index rising 27 per cent yr to this point to a collection of document highs.

Who’s profiting? The jolt of buying and selling exercise has benefited Wall Avenue banks and brokerages most popular by retail shoppers. JPMorgan Chase’s retail banking chief mentioned its buying and selling revenues for the ultimate three months of 2024 have been set to rise greater than 15 per cent from a yr earlier, triple the 5 per cent forecast by analysts previous to Trump’s win. Citigroup anticipates its fourth-quarter buying and selling income to rise as a lot as 19 per cent from a yr in the past.

Robinhood mentioned fairness buying and selling volumes grew 16 per cent between October and November, whereas Interactive Brokers mentioned its each day common income trades rose 17 per cent. Shares in each brokerages have far outpaced the S&P 500 up to now three months. Here’s more on the surge in trading.

• M&A: Dealmakers are gearing up for a sturdy comeback beneath Trump, however his antitrust appointments recommend a more complex reality.

Right here’s what we’ll be watching within the days forward:

• Financial information: The EU has October industrial manufacturing and third-quarter labour figures, whereas the UK stories GDP estimates for October. The Financial institution of England and Ipsos publish their inflation attitudes survey, whereas GfK has its client confidence survey for Britain.

• Georgia: The nation holds elections for a brand new president tomorrow, amid a political crisis over EU accession and a Russia-leaning authorities.

• Center East: Syria’s important border crossing with Jordan is set to reopen on Sunday, the nation’s de facto finance minister advised the Monetary Occasions.

• Nasdaq 100: The index broadcasts its annual reshuffling of constituent shares at this time.

5 extra prime tales

1. HSBC is reviewing its retail banking operations exterior the UK and Hong Kong, a transfer that would see it considerably cut back operations in some nations because it seeks additional price cuts. Mexico is likely one of the markets beneath evaluate, in keeping with folks acquainted with the discussions. Read the full story.

2. Donald Trump has invited Xi Jinping to his inauguration subsequent month in an early signal that the US president-elect intends to renew the high-level engagement with the Chinese language chief that marked his first time period. Trump’s incoming White Home press secretary mentioned he wished to create an “open dialogue” with countries that were American adversaries.

3. The US securities regulator has sued Cantor Fitzgerald, the brokerage led by Donald Trump’s commerce secretary nominee Howard Lutnick, for allegedly making deceptive statements to buyers within the lead-up to 2 public choices that raised $750mn. The Securities and Change Fee mentioned the brokerage had agreed to pay a $6.75mn penalty without admitting or denying liability.

4. Unique: The UK chancellor has dismissed requires an HS2-style line north of Birmingham, saying she won’t give “false hope” to proponents of constructing a brand new railway. Rachel Reeves advised the FT that the federal government’s transport focus was “connectivity inside the north of England” reasonably than on the West Coast mainline. Jennifer Williams has more from Manchester.

5. The European Central Financial institution reduce rates of interest by a quarter-point to three per cent yesterday because it watered down its hawkish language and warned that development can be weaker than it had beforehand forecast. Analysts say the fourth discount in borrowing prices since June, which brings the ECB’s benchmark price to its lowest stage since March 2023, has opened the door to further cuts.

How properly did you retain up the information this week? Take our quiz.

The Massive Learn

The UK goals of kick-starting a housebuilding increase, however the building sector depends closely on migrants to plug a abilities hole. The scarcity may current a political dilemma for the Labour authorities, which has promised to carry down internet migration. Can the nation discover sufficient staff to “get Britain building”?

We’re additionally studying . . . 

• The El Husseinys’ fall: A outstanding household made a fortune working for autocrats. Who was actually in charge when the whole lot fell apart?

• Crypto’s golden period: With Donald Trump promising a friendlier method to the trade, listed below are the modern tycoons who stand to profit.

• Poster youngster of DEI: The president-elect could also be dangerous information for variety, fairness and inclusion, however his White Home picks demonstrate its benefits, writes Stuart Kirk.

Chart of the day

The pound hovered near its highest stage towards the euro for the reason that Brexit vote because the European Central Financial institution reduce rates of interest and buyers bet on diverging fortunes for the UK and Eurozone.

Take a break from the information

From vineyards within the Andes to rhinos in Zimbabwe, writers together with Pico Ayer and historian William Dalrymple share their travel discoveries — and disappointments — of 2024.