SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF (KRE)

KBE vs. KRE? Both US listed. KBE is basically the S&P US bank index. KRE is regional banks. Difference is regional banks are consumer oriented, like Canadian banks. They are not “big enough to fail.” They haven’t performed. US banks will probably perform, because they’re cheap. Either one would be fine, but the regional one is slightly less risky, KRE would probably be the better of the two.

Don't sell it. Hold it. We're finally seeing rising rates benefit the banks which are well-capitalised with good profits. The American consumer is still strong. US regionals don't need to worry about international trade tensions, though consumers could get hurt by tariffs. Good capital return and stock buybacks. ON KRE has been slumping, so yes, it's been frustrating. Consider the regional bank, PNC Financial, though.

He would prefer KRE-N but would have no issue with BAC-N as long as the US economy is in decent shape.

He doesn’t own this now but is very seriously looking at it for a buy in the near future. He sees the correction as a possible opportunity to buy.

With the stress tests completed and the ability to return capital to shareholders, would you buy specific regional banks or this ETF instead? With the stress tests completed and a lot more freedom in returning capital to shareholders, these banks’ health has everything to do with the US economy. Slow, but steady, continuing to do well, and the housing market which is only halfway through recovery. Overall, they are doing well and he would consider owning all of the names through this ETF.

SPDR Financial (XLF-N) or SPDR S&P Regional Banking? He likes XLF more because it has the larger cap more diversified names that are in capital markets, investment management, security management and wealth management. Interest rates will eventually move higher, but will stay low for long, and you want to have companies that are more diversified.

He would prefer to be a little more selective when buying a bunch of US regional banks. Would want to know what market segment is being targeted by a bank and the geographic area they are in. There are parts of the US that are doing better than others. An ETF gives you exposure to everything. (See Top Picks.)

US regional banks but you have to be comfortable with the Canadian US dollar risk. Reluctant to chase with new money and thinks it could pull back short term. In the next couple of weeks we could see 5-8% lower and then buy it.

In his last show, the caller asked about an ETF with US regional banks. This one tracks regional US banks.

Regional banks. But he is worried that the banks could get hit in the next few years.