Best Performing U.S. Banks in the New Year (NYSE: BAC) (NYSE: JPM) (NYSE: C) (NYSE: AIB)

NEW YORK - Banks have been one of the worst performing sectors since the onset of the financial crisis in 2008 but they began to rally in November. This enthusiasm has slowed in the new year.

Of the top 20 banks, the best performing bank in the new year is Capital One Financial; the stock is up 22%. The next best is J.P. Morgan with a gain of 9%. This is followed by BBT at 5% and PNC also at 5%. Regions Financial is surprisingly near the top up 4%. Wells Fargo despite the resignation of its CFO, Howard Atkins, is also higher by 3%.

The worst performing banks among the top 20 financial institutions is HCBK down 24%. HCBK has been one of the worst performing banks since 2010. Investors are wondering if this bank can turn it around (HCBK Report) . The next worst bank is Comerica down 12%. The bank dropped following its acquisition of Sterling Bancshares which many investors felt was an overpayment. Citigroup and Northern Trust are both down close to 6%.

BAC is up 0.22% on the year ( BAC Report). U.S. Banks have performed well compared to Irish Banks. AIB is down 35% since the beginning of the year. This includes its 20% rise on Friday.

Click for premium reports of the following banks PNC, BAC, AIB, HCBK and USB.