The Market Looks Shaky. Put Options Can Protect You, Goldman Says.
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Aug 14 2025
0mins
Source: Barron's
Stock Market Trends: The stock market continues to rise despite a weak U.S. economy, indicating resilience in investor confidence.
Investment Strategies: Goldman Sachs suggests that investors consider using put options as a hedge against potential market selloffs.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy RF?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on RF
Wall Street analysts forecast RF stock price to rise
16 Analyst Rating
7 Buy
7 Hold
2 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 29.780
Low
27.00
Averages
30.00
High
33.00
Current: 29.780
Low
27.00
Averages
30.00
High
33.00
About RF
Regions Financial Corporation is a full-service provider of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management, and mortgage products and services. It serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas, and through its subsidiary, Regions Bank, operates approximately 1,250 banking offices and more than 2,000 ATMs. Its segments include Corporate Bank, Consumer Bank and Wealth Management. The Corporate Bank segment represents its commercial banking functions, including commercial and industrial, commercial real estate and investor real estate lending. The Consumer Bank segment represents its branch network, including consumer banking products and services related to residential first mortgages, home equity lines and loans, consumer credit cards and other consumer loans, as well as the corresponding deposit relationships. The Wealth Management segment offers credit-related products, trust and investment management, asset management, retirement and savings solutions and estate planning.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Regions Financial Corp to Participate in RBC Conference
- Conference Participation: Regions Financial Corp is scheduled to participate in the RBC Capital Markets Global Financial Institutions Conference on March 11, where executives will engage in a fireside chat-style discussion at approximately 1:20 p.m. ET, aimed at sharing company strategies and market insights with investors.
- Live Streaming and Replay: The discussion will be live-streamed in a listen-only format, allowing investors to access it via Regions' Investor Relations page, with a replay available post-event to ensure that those unable to attend live can still obtain relevant information.
- Company Overview: Regions Financial Corporation, with $160 billion in assets, is a member of the S&P 500 Index and one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management, and mortgage products, highlighting its significant market presence.
- Service Network: Through its subsidiary, Regions Bank, the company serves customers across the South, Midwest, and Texas, operating approximately 1,250 banking offices and over 1,750 ATMs, showcasing its extensive market coverage capabilities.
See More
Regions Financial Declares Cash Dividend Schedule
- Common Stock Dividend: Regions Financial announced a cash dividend of $0.265 per share on its common stock, payable on April 1, 2026, to shareholders of record as of March 2, 2026, which is expected to enhance shareholder returns and boost investor confidence.
- Preferred Stock Dividend: The company will also pay a cash dividend of $11.125 per share on Series E Preferred Stock on March 16, 2026, to shareholders of record as of March 2, 2026, demonstrating its commitment to preferred shareholders and its stable financial condition.
- Series F Preferred Stock Dividend: Additionally, Regions Financial will distribute a cash dividend of $17.375 per share on Series F Preferred Stock on March 16, 2026, to shareholders of record as of March 2, 2026, further solidifying its appeal in the capital markets.
- Company Overview: With $160 billion in assets, Regions Financial is a member of the S&P 500 Index, operating approximately 1,250 banking offices and over 1,750 ATMs, showcasing its strong position in consumer and commercial banking services.
See More
Regions Financial Reports Q4 Earnings Miss at $0.57, Analysts Adjust Price Targets
- Earnings Miss: Regions Financial reported Q4 earnings of $0.57 per share, falling short of the analyst consensus estimate of $0.61, indicating pressure on profitability in a competitive market environment.
- Sales Underperformance: The company’s quarterly sales reached $1.921 billion, missing the analyst consensus estimate of $1.936 billion, reflecting insufficient market demand and challenges in business growth.
- Positive Management Outlook: Despite challenges, CEO John Turner noted that the company achieved record growth in Wealth Management and Treasury Management in 2025, demonstrating confidence in future performance.
- Analyst Rating Adjustments: Piper Sandler raised Regions Financial's price target from $29 to $31 while maintaining a Neutral rating, whereas Wells Fargo lowered its target from $30 to $28, reflecting differing market perspectives on the company's outlook.
See More
Surging Demand for Data Centers Fuels Semiconductor Market Growth
- Market Opportunity: The continuous construction and upgrading of data centers are driving a surge in demand for data, propelling the semiconductor industry into a new growth phase that is expected to attract significant investment and innovation.
- Unique Positioning: A lesser-known company specializing in semiconductor products not covered by giants like NVIDIA is gradually entering the spotlight, positioning itself as a potential future stock to watch.
- Industry Outlook: Hardware suppliers for data centers are set to become the next industry leaders, akin to NVIDIA's rise, which is expected to significantly boost the stock prices and market shares of related companies.
- Investment Recommendations: Zacks Investment Research has recommended seven best stocks for the next 30 days, reflecting strong market confidence in semiconductor and data center-related companies.
See More
US Stocks Close Slightly Lower as Bond Yields Rise Amid Fed Chair Speculation
- Market Performance: The S&P 500 index fell by 0.06%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average decreased by 0.17%, and the Nasdaq 100 dropped by 0.07%, reflecting market uncertainty regarding future interest rate policies.
- Rising Bond Yields: The 10-year Treasury yield rose by 6 basis points to 4.23%, reaching a 4.5-month high, as President Trump's reluctance to nominate Hassett intensified market concerns about potential rate hikes.
- Manufacturing Data: December manufacturing production unexpectedly increased by 0.2%, surpassing expectations of a 0.1% decline, indicating economic resilience that could influence the Fed's policy direction.
- Tech Stock Volatility: Chipmakers surged on renewed optimism for AI spending after TSMC raised its 2026 capital expenditure forecast, while power suppliers fell due to pressure from Trump's policy initiatives.
See More
Russell 2000 Hits Record High, Up 8.4% Year-to-Date
- Strong Small-Cap Performance: The Russell 2000 small-cap index rose 0.5% on Friday, achieving an 8.4% year-to-date gain, indicating a resurgence in small-cap stocks that may attract more investor interest.
- Banking Sector Profit Growth: PNC Financial and regional banks saw stock price increases following strong quarterly results, with PNC reporting earnings per share of $4.88, surpassing analysts' expectations of $4.19, demonstrating a recovery in banking profitability.
- Tech Stocks Continue to Rise: TSMC and Nvidia shares increased due to a US-Taiwan trade deal expected to boost American chip and tech manufacturing by $250 billion, further solidifying the tech sector's market position.
- Market Volatility Intensifies: Despite strong small-cap performance, major indices experienced volatility due to Trump's hesitation over the Fed chair nomination, leaving investors to digest this uncertainty ahead of a long weekend.
See More
Regions Financial Corp to Participate in RBC Conference
- Conference Participation: Regions Financial Corp is scheduled to participate in the RBC Capital Markets Global Financial Institutions Conference on March 11, where executives will engage in a fireside chat-style discussion at approximately 1:20 p.m. ET, aimed at sharing company strategies and market insights with investors.
- Live Streaming and Replay: The discussion will be live-streamed in a listen-only format, allowing investors to access it via Regions' Investor Relations page, with a replay available post-event to ensure that those unable to attend live can still obtain relevant information.
- Company Overview: Regions Financial Corporation, with $160 billion in assets, is a member of the S&P 500 Index and one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management, and mortgage products, highlighting its significant market presence.
- Service Network: Through its subsidiary, Regions Bank, the company serves customers across the South, Midwest, and Texas, operating approximately 1,250 banking offices and over 1,750 ATMs, showcasing its extensive market coverage capabilities.
See More
Regions Financial Declares Cash Dividend Schedule
- Common Stock Dividend: Regions Financial announced a cash dividend of $0.265 per share on its common stock, payable on April 1, 2026, to shareholders of record as of March 2, 2026, which is expected to enhance shareholder returns and boost investor confidence.
- Preferred Stock Dividend: The company will also pay a cash dividend of $11.125 per share on Series E Preferred Stock on March 16, 2026, to shareholders of record as of March 2, 2026, demonstrating its commitment to preferred shareholders and its stable financial condition.
- Series F Preferred Stock Dividend: Additionally, Regions Financial will distribute a cash dividend of $17.375 per share on Series F Preferred Stock on March 16, 2026, to shareholders of record as of March 2, 2026, further solidifying its appeal in the capital markets.
- Company Overview: With $160 billion in assets, Regions Financial is a member of the S&P 500 Index, operating approximately 1,250 banking offices and over 1,750 ATMs, showcasing its strong position in consumer and commercial banking services.
See More
Regions Financial Reports Q4 Earnings Miss at $0.57, Analysts Adjust Price Targets
- Earnings Miss: Regions Financial reported Q4 earnings of $0.57 per share, falling short of the analyst consensus estimate of $0.61, indicating pressure on profitability in a competitive market environment.
- Sales Underperformance: The company’s quarterly sales reached $1.921 billion, missing the analyst consensus estimate of $1.936 billion, reflecting insufficient market demand and challenges in business growth.
- Positive Management Outlook: Despite challenges, CEO John Turner noted that the company achieved record growth in Wealth Management and Treasury Management in 2025, demonstrating confidence in future performance.
- Analyst Rating Adjustments: Piper Sandler raised Regions Financial's price target from $29 to $31 while maintaining a Neutral rating, whereas Wells Fargo lowered its target from $30 to $28, reflecting differing market perspectives on the company's outlook.
See More
Surging Demand for Data Centers Fuels Semiconductor Market Growth
- Market Opportunity: The continuous construction and upgrading of data centers are driving a surge in demand for data, propelling the semiconductor industry into a new growth phase that is expected to attract significant investment and innovation.
- Unique Positioning: A lesser-known company specializing in semiconductor products not covered by giants like NVIDIA is gradually entering the spotlight, positioning itself as a potential future stock to watch.
- Industry Outlook: Hardware suppliers for data centers are set to become the next industry leaders, akin to NVIDIA's rise, which is expected to significantly boost the stock prices and market shares of related companies.
- Investment Recommendations: Zacks Investment Research has recommended seven best stocks for the next 30 days, reflecting strong market confidence in semiconductor and data center-related companies.
See More
US Stocks Close Slightly Lower as Bond Yields Rise Amid Fed Chair Speculation
- Market Performance: The S&P 500 index fell by 0.06%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average decreased by 0.17%, and the Nasdaq 100 dropped by 0.07%, reflecting market uncertainty regarding future interest rate policies.
- Rising Bond Yields: The 10-year Treasury yield rose by 6 basis points to 4.23%, reaching a 4.5-month high, as President Trump's reluctance to nominate Hassett intensified market concerns about potential rate hikes.
- Manufacturing Data: December manufacturing production unexpectedly increased by 0.2%, surpassing expectations of a 0.1% decline, indicating economic resilience that could influence the Fed's policy direction.
- Tech Stock Volatility: Chipmakers surged on renewed optimism for AI spending after TSMC raised its 2026 capital expenditure forecast, while power suppliers fell due to pressure from Trump's policy initiatives.
See More
Russell 2000 Hits Record High, Up 8.4% Year-to-Date
- Strong Small-Cap Performance: The Russell 2000 small-cap index rose 0.5% on Friday, achieving an 8.4% year-to-date gain, indicating a resurgence in small-cap stocks that may attract more investor interest.
- Banking Sector Profit Growth: PNC Financial and regional banks saw stock price increases following strong quarterly results, with PNC reporting earnings per share of $4.88, surpassing analysts' expectations of $4.19, demonstrating a recovery in banking profitability.
- Tech Stocks Continue to Rise: TSMC and Nvidia shares increased due to a US-Taiwan trade deal expected to boost American chip and tech manufacturing by $250 billion, further solidifying the tech sector's market position.
- Market Volatility Intensifies: Despite strong small-cap performance, major indices experienced volatility due to Trump's hesitation over the Fed chair nomination, leaving investors to digest this uncertainty ahead of a long weekend.
See More
