KeyCorp (KEY-PK)

Key Institutional Bank president talks Fed rates, M&A outlook

Key Institutional Bank (KEY) President Randy Paine joins Yahoo Finance to discuss market outlooks from the banking industry's perspective as it's likely the Federal Reserve may keep interest rates higher instead of cutting them at all in 2024. Paine notes that the regional banking industry experienced "a period of stress" in early 2023, but the environment for smaller financial institutions has been normalizing since then. Paine highlights Key's plans to invest in "fee-generating businesses" to help boost and retain capital. Under the prevailing high-interest rate environment, Paine acknowledges that "it's a time of uncertainty for sure." However, he emphasizes that Key's clientele has remained confident in their businesses, despite headwinds such as geopolitical risks, high inflation, and this year's election cycle. He adds a similar outlook for Key itself, which has reaffirmed its net interest income guidance: "Even if there are no cuts or we get three or four, we're going to hit our guide." When asked about the outlook on the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) market, Paine expresses his expectation of an uptick in M&A activity under the current market. For more expert insight and the latest market action, click here to watch this full episode of Market Domination Overtime. This post was written by Angel Smith