HSBC Holdings (HSBA-LSE)

ING vs. HSBC Banking has a had a tough year, especially in Europe with negative interest rates. The Euro economy hurts the banks. HSBC has an Asian franchise, which is a plus. ING has become much more of a retail bank with a good ROE. They trade at below book value and pay reasonable dividends, but you will do well only with a long-term horizon. Their cost structures look much better now.

(A Top Pick October 31/17 Down 5%) China being down 20% has not helped this global operator. There is nothing wrong with the company fundamentally. He would recommend averaging down on this one.

A play for investors that can be bought as an ADR and doesn't have to be bought in Europe. It gets you that synchronized global growth that is happening. Gets you into Europe, North America, South America and, more importantly, Asia. He sees growth in earnings coming from all those areas. Dividend yield of 5.3%. (Analysts' price target is £720.78.)

(A Top Pick July 25/13. Down 10.76%.) Earnings are 50% Europe and 50% Hong Kong. This is a “show me” story around the interest rate movement. When there is an interest-rate hike, you will see the stock.

Largest UK bank with the global scope. Didn’t blow up during the recession. Has operations in Asia and can support import/export types of businesses. Operations in the US. Inexpensive.