Fed approves all 34 biggest banks’ dividend and buyback plans. That’s a first.
(Andrew Harnik / Associated Press)
The Federal Reserve has given the green light to all 34 of the biggest banks in the U.S. to raise their dividends and buy back shares, judging their financial foundations sturdy enough to withstand a major economic downturn.
It was the first time in seven years of annual “stress tests” that every bank assessed by the Fed won approval for its capital plans.
The Fed on Wednesday announced the results of the second round of its annual stress tests. Those allowed to raise dividends or repurchase shares include the four biggest U.S. banks — JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Citigroup and Wells Fargo.
Capital One’s plan only got conditional approval and it has six months to revise it. But the bank was still allowed to return profits to shareholders.
