In the investment world, growth is virtually synonymous with quality. But when it comes to banks, this isn't necessarily true. Bank of America (BAC +1.29%) is a prime example of a bank that was ultimately hurt by its acquisition strategy. In the following video, Motley Fool contributor John Maxfield notes U.S. Bancorp and KeyCorp and explains why the best banks surge in size when times are tough and hold off on aggressive growth when the economy is firing on all cylinders.
1 Strategy the Best Banks Share
By John Maxfield – Oct 31, 2013 at 7:08AM
NYSE: BAC
Bank of America
Market Cap
$389B
Today's Change
(1.29%) $0.67
Current Price
$52.43
Price as of October 24, 2025 at 3:58 PM ET
Explaining how investors can distinguish between healthy and harmful growth at banks.
About the Author
I write about banks, trying my best to balance the good and the bad.