Finance

Wells Fargo’s average loans tumbled in the second quarter as consumers and businesses, buoyed by pandemic stimulus programs, refrained from more borrowing.

Income from stock trading and investment banking trounced analyst estimates in the second quarter and made up for weaknesses in the company's much bigger fixed-income and credit card divisions.

The company fell short of net interest income projections as loans and leases in the consumer banking unit dropped 12% from a year earlier. However, loan balances grew from the first quarter — the first sequential increase in a year.

While customers of the nation’s largest bank are spending more, an unusually small percentage of their purchases are becoming debt. Executives warn that the bank’s predicament could persist for the rest of the year.

Hafize Gaye Erkan, the San Francisco bank's president, will share the chief executive role with longtime leader James Herbert, whose contract was extended through 2022.

JPMorgan Chase’s investment bankers posted their best quarter ever as a record first half in dealmaking bolstered the bottom line at the nation’s largest bank. But expenses climbed in the second quarter and loan growth remained out of reach.

Bankers insist borrowing will pick up on the back of a post-pandemic economic recovery. But so far there are few signs of a rebound, and analysts are skeptical one is imminent.

The fintech company Wise rose in its debut following a direct listing on the London Stock Exchange, in the largest such deal ever, bolstering Brexit Britain’s capital-market hopes.

The company is looking to sell 20 million shares, with a 3 million underwriters' option, at between $16 and $18 per share.

On Mar. 31, 2021. Dollars in thousands.