• HSBC downgraded American Express (NYSE:AXP) from "Buy" to "Hold" with a current stock price of $273.79.
• The company has experienced significant growth since its IPO, including four stock splits, enhancing shareholder value.
• Despite the downgrade, American Express's historical performance and large market capitalization of $194.64 billion suggest resilience in the financial sector.

On October 7, 2024, HSBC downgraded American Express (NYSE:AXP) from a "Buy" to a "Hold" rating, with the stock priced at $273.79. American Express, founded in 1850, initially started as a shipping company before transitioning to financial services. It went public in 1977 and has since become a major player in the financial sector.

Despite the downgrade, American Express has been a strong performer for early investors. The company has undergone four stock splits, increasing the number of shares for long-term shareholders. For instance, an investor who bought one share at the IPO would now own 12 shares. This growth reflects the company's ability to enhance shareholder value over time.

The current stock price of $273.79 represents a slight decrease of $2.18, or -0.79%. Today, AXP traded between $271.57 and $276.21. Over the past year, the stock has seen a high of $276.79 and a low of $140.91. This range indicates significant volatility, which can be influenced by analyst ratings and market sentiment.

American Express's market capitalization is approximately $194.64 billion, with a trading volume of 2,516,095 shares on the NYSE. This large market cap signifies the company's substantial presence in the financial industry. The recent downgrade by HSBC may impact investor sentiment, but the company's historical performance suggests resilience.

The Investment Committee's recent debate on "Calls of the Day" included a focus on AXP, highlighting differing analyst opinions. Such discussions can influence investor decisions and stock prices. The ongoing "Street Fight" between Piper Sandler and Barclays over Netflix further underscores the dynamic nature of analyst ratings and their potential impact on the market.