Under the Radar: New Year, New Financial Frontiers -Beyond the Big Banks
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Dec 31 2024
0mins
Should l Buy JPM?
Source: Benzinga
Market Predictions and Stock Recommendations: The author refrains from making specific predictions for the upcoming year but suggests that U.S. politics will be tumultuous while the economy may improve. They recommend three smaller bank stocks—Ponce Financial Group, Parke Bancorp, and ESSA Bank & Trust—that are undervalued and have strong management and capital positions.
Investment Strategy: Emphasizing a conservative investment approach, the author advocates for purchasing well-managed banks at bargain prices, highlighting the historical success of this strategy in the community banking sector despite the lack of excitement surrounding these investments.
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Analyst Views on JPM
Wall Street analysts forecast JPM stock price to rise
19 Analyst Rating
11 Buy
7 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 302.640
Low
260.00
Averages
341.38
High
400.00
Current: 302.640
Low
260.00
Averages
341.38
High
400.00
About JPM
JPMorgan Chase & Co. is a financial holding company. The Company is engaged in investment banking, financial services for consumers and small businesses, commercial banking, financial transaction processing and asset management. The Company operates through three segments: Consumer & Community Banking (CCB), Commercial & Investment Bank (CIB), and Asset & Wealth Management (AWM). Its CCB segment offers products and services to consumers and small businesses through bank branches, ATMs, digital and telephone banking. Its CIB segment consists of banking and payments and markets and securities services, and offers a suite of investment banking, lending, payments, market-making, financing, custody and securities products and services to a global base of corporate and institutional clients. AWM segment offers investment and wealth management solutions. It offers multi-asset investment management solutions, retirement products and services, brokerage, custody, estate planning, and others.
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.
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- Asset Scale: As of 2025, JPMorgan Chase boasts total assets of $4.4 trillion and stockholders' equity of $362 billion, underscoring its formidable strength and market position within the global financial services sector.
- Business Scope: As a leading financial services firm, JPMorgan Chase significantly impacts investment banking, consumer and small business financial services, commercial banking, financial transaction processing, and asset management, serving numerous prominent clients worldwide.
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- Consumer Stock Performance: The relative weakness in consumer-exposed stocks contrasts sharply with the performance of traditionally defensive staples, leading to divergent interpretations in the market, which may reflect changes in cyclical demand or deeper economic concerns.
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- Quantum Market Potential: Analysts from Boston Consulting Group estimate that the global opportunity for quantum computing could reach between $450 billion and $850 billion by 2040, indicating significant investor interest despite the market being in its infancy.
- Historical Investment Review: Amazon's purchase of 6,671 shares of IonQ stock worth nearly $300,000 in Q4 2025 follows a complete divestment of 854,207 shares in Q3, highlighting its focus on short-term gains and response to market fluctuations.
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- Banking Services: Most commercial banks, including JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and Capital One, are closed today following the Federal Reserve's holiday schedule, although online banking and ATM services remain operational, with transactions likely delayed until the next business day.
- Postal Service Suspension: The U.S. Postal Service has suspended regular mail delivery and closed all retail post office locations today, while private carriers continue to operate, highlighting the operational differences in public services during holidays.
- Retail Promotions: Many department stores are leveraging Presidents' Day for significant sales, particularly in furniture and appliances, aiming to attract consumers and boost sales, reflecting retailers' strategic approaches during holiday periods.
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Earnings Report Impact: Shopify's stock experienced a significant drop following its earnings report, which may cause concern among investors.
Long-term Potential: Despite the short-term decline, analysts suggest that Shopify's long-term growth prospects remain strong, encouraging investors to stay the course.
Market Reactions: The market's reaction to Shopify's earnings highlights the volatility often seen in tech stocks, particularly after earnings announcements.
Investment Strategy: Investors are advised to focus on Shopify's fundamentals and growth strategy rather than reacting impulsively to immediate stock price fluctuations.
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- Widespread Impact: These resignations not only affect individual careers but also pose potential reputational risks and operational challenges for the companies involved, especially in a climate where public sensitivity to sexual crimes is increasing.
- Political Repercussions: The government of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is also affected, despite his lack of direct ties to Epstein, as this incident could undermine his political support and influence future policy decisions.
- Social Response: Epstein's case has sparked widespread public discourse on the relationship between power and sexual crimes, prompting greater scrutiny of the moral responsibilities and transparency of high-level individuals, which may lead to stricter regulatory measures.
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