[ by Melanie Gretchen ]

On Wednesday, when just about every financial services stock dropped in value, the 'Biggest Loser" was Citigroup, whose shares fell 4% to close at $42.50.  The stock market collapse followed an ADP announcement that: 

• private sector nonfarm employment in the U.S. grew by 158,000 in March - a decline from 237,000 new jobs in February, and short of the prediction of 200,000 new jobs; 
• January private sector employment growth numbers fell to 177,000 from 215,000.

According to the KBW Bank Index, bank stocks fell an average of 2%.  Other notable losers included Bank of America and State Street, which fell 3%.

Despite Wednesday's disappointing performance, Deutsche Bank analyst Matt O'Connor still rates Citigroup a "buy,." on expectations that the company will post bullish Q1 earnings per share of $1.19. 

For further details, go to:   [The Street, 4/3/13].

To contact Melanie Gretchen: melanie@compliance-insights.com.