By Anastasia Donde
The government bailout powered financial stocks in 2009 and led to big gains for hedge funds confident enough to bet on a recovery. But with the U.S. Treasury selling its stakes in banks like Citigroup and the economy teetering, is the trade over?
No way, say those who argue that today's suddenly cheaper stock prices make banks like the embattled Citi a bargain. Leading the charge is Bill Ackman, founder and chief executive of Pershing Square Capital Management, who recently plowed as much as 9% of his fund into Citi. Other hedge funds, including Balyasny Asset Management, SAC Capital Advisors and Lansdowne Partners are following suit.
Taking the other side are Perry Capital, Diamondback Capital and Third Point Management, all of which have dumped their Citi shares, while Eton Park Capital Management and Harbinger Capital Partners reduced their stakes.
Citi has proved a tricky play for...