New York, Jan 29, 2026, 11:24 EST — Regular session
Shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co (JPM.N) climbed 1.1% to $304.01 by 11:13 a.m. EST on Thursday. The stock fluctuated within a range of $300.93 to $305.54, with roughly 3.35 million shares traded. Bank of America and Wells Fargo gained around 1.2%, while Citigroup’s shares saw little movement.
The decision keeps the largest U.S. lender relevant as investors adjust following the Federal Reserve’s hint that rates may hold steady. For banks, the trajectory of interest rates directly impacts net interest income — the difference between earnings on loans and costs on deposits.
New policy risks are shaking up consumer finance. News on card rates, savings schemes, and looming budget battles in Washington are beginning to factor into traders’ evaluations of big consumer lenders such as JPMorgan.
On Wednesday, the Fed kept its benchmark rate steady at 3.50%-3.75%. Chair Jerome Powell noted that “the economy has once again surprised us with its strength.” Following the announcement, Michael Pearce, chief U.S. economist at Oxford Economics, said, “We expect the Federal Reserve to remain on an extended pause.” The 10-year Treasury yield hovered near 4.25%, while rate futures shifted expectations for the next cut to the June meeting. (Reuters)
JPMorgan took the opportunity this week to promote an employee perk linked to “Trump Accounts,” a children’s savings initiative. CEO Jamie Dimon said the bank will match the government’s one-time $1,000 seed deposit for qualifying U.S. employees’ kids. “By matching this contribution, we’re making it easier for them to start saving early,” Dimon stated. (Business Wire)
The pilot program will launch on July 4, offering $1,000 in government seed money for children born between 2025 and 2028 who have a Social Security number, Reuters reported. The funds are planned to be invested in low-cost index funds, with annual contributions capped at $5,000 and the employer portion limited to $2,500, according to the report. (Reuters)
Credit-card rules remain a hot topic. At an airline industry conference, advisers flagged a proposed 10% interest rate cap as a serious threat to loyalty program economics. Airlines often sell miles to card issuers, and that revenue could take a big hit. “That’s a huge chunk of profit that has just disappeared,” said BK Associates managing director Pooja Gardemal. Jamie Dimon has called such a cap “an economic disaster.” United Airlines Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Nocella noted ongoing talks with JPMorgan, its largest card partner. Barclays managing director Michael Miller described the cap as “an unlikely outcome that it sticks.” (Reuters)
That said, a steadier Fed won’t wipe out the usual risks. A drop in yields, a jump in consumer delinquencies, or a sudden change in Washington’s credit policy could swiftly alter the earnings outlook and the valuations investors assign.
Broader stocks showed a mixed picture Thursday. The Dow inched up, but the S&P 500 and Nasdaq slipped, dragged down by Microsoft’s decline as investors scrutinized big tech’s spending strategies, Reuters reported. JPMorgan investors are eyeing Apple’s earnings release after the close, alongside Friday’s midnight deadline for lawmakers to prevent a U.S. government shutdown. (Reuters)
