The better-than-expected third-quarter results of banking giants JPMorgan Chase (JPM) and Wells Fargo (WFC), had investors pushing their stocks higher on Friday. While profits at both banks fell compared to the same period last year, the declines were less drastic than expected, suggesting resilience in the face of ongoing economic uncertainties. JPMorgan's earnings in particular have spurred discussions about the potential for a "soft landing" for the U.S. economy—a scenario in which inflation slows without triggering a recession.
A Soft Landing in Sight?
JPMorgan CFO Jeremy Barnum highlighted the bank’s performance as consistent with a soft landing narrative. He pointed to strength in both consumer and corporate sectors, describing the economic situation as "Goldilocks"—neither too hot nor too cold. Barnum's optimism is based on stable spending patterns and positive sentiment from the bank’s clients, suggesting that inflationary pressures may ease without driving the economy into a recession.
Wells Fargo's CFO Mike Santomassimo echoed these sentiments, though he acknowledged that lower-income consumers are feeling more pressure than higher-income groups. Despite these challenges, overall spending and borrowing behaviors haven't shown signs of significant stress migrating up to more affluent demographics, reinforcing the possibility of avoiding a deep recession.
Investment Banking Recovery and Stock Performance
One of the major bright spots for both JPMorgan and Wells Fargo was the recovery in investment banking. Following a two-year drought in dealmaking, investment banking fees surged—up 37% at Wells Fargo and 31% from the previous year at JPMorgan. This rebound in investment banking activity contributed significantly to both banks’ earnings and was a positive surprise for analysts, especially as the industry had been dealing with a prolonged slowdown.
This sent JPMorgan's stock surged by more than 4% in early Friday trading, while Wells Fargo saw an even stronger uptick, rising more than 5%. This strong stock performance showcases market confidence in these banking giants’ ability to weather economic turbulence, despite concerns over high interest rates and credit challenges.
Navigating Interest Rates and Credit Risks
JPMorgan reported a significant increase in net interest income (NII) during the third quarter—a key measure of profitability from lending. The bank also raised its full-year NII forecast by $1.5 billion, reflecting better-than-expected performance in lending. However, JPMorgan did acknowledge potential headwinds as the Federal Reserve is expected to begin cutting interest rates. Despite this, the bank assured investors that its full-year NII would remain robust.
On the other hand, Wells Fargo’s NII dropped 11% from the previous year, showing the challenges posed by elevated interest rates. Still, the bank’s CFO Mike Santomassimo struck a hopeful chord, stating that the fourth quarter would likely mirror the third quarter, signaling a potential trough in NII declines.
Both banks increased their provisions for credit losses, with JPMorgan setting aside $3.1 billion—up 125% from the previous year—as it expects more credit challenges, particularly in credit cards. However, Barnum reassured investors, stating that these provisions show a return to more typical credit conditions, not new signs of weakness.
Geopolitical Risks and Economic Uncertainty
JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon weighed in on the broader economic and geopolitical landscape. While he acknowledged that the U.S. economy remains resilient, and inflation is gradually slowing, Dimon expressed concerns about "treacherous" conditions, citing global risks such as fiscal deficits, trade restructuring, and geopolitical instability. He cautioned that while the bank remains optimistic, it is preparing for any potential downturns due to these uncertainties.
Dimon's comments reflect the cautious optimism within JPMorgan as it navigates a complex economic environment. While the soft landing scenario remains a possibility, the bank is keeping a close eye on external risks that could derail the economy's progress.
Conclusion: A Cautious Path Forward
The third-quarter earnings reports from JPMorgan and Wells Fargo demonstrate resilience in the face of economic uncertainty. While both banks face challenges from rising credit losses and fluctuating interest rates, their strong performance in investment banking and stable consumer and corporate spending patterns suggest that a soft landing for the U.S. economy is not out of the picture. However, with global risks looming, both banks are preparing for a range of possible scenarios.
As the earnings season continues, with reports from Citigroup, Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley on the horizon, investors will be watching closely to see how these giants navigate the shifting economic landscape.
