Fifth Third Bancorp: Stay The Course Because There Is Now A Major Catalyst In Place

Summary:

- Fifth Third stock has significantly underperformed the broader market over the last year, and the YTD performance has not been much better.

- However, I believe that this bank is well-positioned for 2019 and beyond, especially if you factor in the recently approved acquisition of MB Financial.

- I am long Fifth Third, and I plan to stay long the stock.

Fifth Third Bancorp ($FITB) stock has been under significant pressure so far in 2019, as economic slowdown and interest rate concerns have wrecked serious havoc.

However, I believe that the underperformance has created a buying opportunity for investors with a long-term mindset because, in my opinion, Fifth Third is well-positioned for 2019 and beyond. Plus, it helps the bull case that this bank now has a significant catalyst in place.