Will cheap financials get even cheaper?

SPECIALIST

Barely 12 months ago the notion of actively investing in financials was perceived as only for the adventurous. Even so, selling off a stock like HSBC was probably considered a step too far.

Since then, global financials – which are the world’s largest investment sector – have moved on, with the sector materially out-performing world markets over the past 12 months. Now many investors are wondering if they are willing to take more pain by sitting on the sidelines. It seems an opportune moment to avoid the scramble and buy whilst global financials remain fundamentally cheap. The key issue driving the sector has less to do with the froth provided by low interest rates, although that has helped, but more to do with the real improvement in capital positions on the back of recove...