For this week’s Monday’s Market Movers entry, let’s take a look at the profits Citi Financial is currently reporting.  As of this past Friday, March 13, the Dow and the S&P 500 stock indexes rose for a fourth straight day.  This rise in the stock market came shortly after Citigroup announced that it did not need any more governmental aid.  Wait a second-let’s digest this information.  So this means that following President Obama’s massive bailout plan, which aimed to ultimately restore stability to the banking industry-Citigroup is actually reporting a profit?  Following a global financial crisis, Citigroup actually has good news to report?  Let’s take a look at how Citigroup is managing to slowly climb back to the top-and what this good news ultimately means for you, the consumer.

Apparently 2009 is not looking so bleak for Citigroup.  Citigroup CEO Vikram Pandit sent a letter to employees, reporting that the company is having its best quarter since the last time it reported profits, during the summer of 2007.  During January and February of 2009, Citigroup’s operating revenue was $19 billion, $2 billion less than the 2008 full-quarter average. As mentioned above, the stock market displayed a clear reaction to this  surprisingly uplifting memo, raising Citigroup shares 38 percent.

So how is this possible amidst a financial crisis?  Well, the memo that Pandit sent to employees communicated that Citi’s deposits were “relatively stable.”  Pandit also reported that the company has conducted its own “stress test”, based on tougher criteria than what the federal government is currently using to test the nation’s 19 largest financial institutions; he concluded that he is “confident about our capital strength….client businesses are strong, our deposits are relatively stable, our client-driven securities and Banking businesses have been performing well…and we continue to provide credit to consumer and corporate customers.” Pandit further displayed his commitment to getting Citigroup back on top by agreeing to a $1 annual salary until Citi becomes profitable again.

Furthermore, on December 1, Citigroup cut all sources of online, unsecured loan applications.  This means that Citigroup has basically stopped collecting these loan applications from all websites except their own.  The number of Citi credit cards, featured on websites like credit.com, dropped from a high of 19 total cards to only 3 currently.  For consumers like you, this means that you can easily get access to credit through Citi.

So things, for the moment, are looking up for Citigroup.  As a result, things are looking up for consumers when it comes to getting access to credit.  Despite the good news, Citigroup is pushing the need for Americans to save by making smart financial decisions.  In order for both banks and individuals to climb their way out of this financial crisis, we need to change our spending habits.

Europe’s largest bank, The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC), announced that it will scale back its US lending as a result of failed sub prime mortgage investments.  Coming off of their worst quarter ever, HSBC will be eliminating 6,100 jobs nationwide by closing all 800 of its Household Finance & Beneficial Offices here in the US.

So what happened to HSBC’s profits?  In 2007, HSBC reported profits of $19.1 billion.  Their 2008 profits came in at a much less $5.7 billion.  Unable to predict the deterioration of the US economy, HSBC purchased Household International six years ago for $14 billion.  This purchase made HSBC the largest subprime mortgage lender in the US.  Forming the Household Finance & Beneficial offices, this unit began lending money to borrowers that did not have strong credit history.  What was predicted to be a successful and profitable acquisition turned ugly in 2008, when consumer loans considered 60 or more days delinquent rose dramatically from 7.7% to 12.5%.

Stephen Green, group chairman for HSBC, stated that “In light of this, we have taken the difficult decision that, with the exception of credit cards, we will write no further consumer finance business through the Household Finance and Beneficial brands in the U.S., and will close the majority of the network.”

In official statements, HSBC has promised that despite the halt on its consumer lending practices, it will continue to help its current customers pay off their loans, helping them avoid foreclosure.

What does this mean for me?  Green also vowed that HSBC is “not turning our backs on the US“, as they will continue to issue and promote credit cards.  Simply stated, this is good for consumers!  The credit card HSBC is bringing back, Orchard Bank card, is their subprime card for bad credit borrowers.  Originally pulled from the web on December 1^st of 2008, it is available again for consumers.  With the lowest rate among subprime cards, HSBC’s Orchard Bank Card does not have outrageous upfront fees to pay. This card is designed for people who are looking to rebuild their credit.

To sum it up: HSBC’s decision to discontinue its consumer lending business actually benefits the millions of consumers who are looking to re-establish a strong credit history.  It is important to remember that you have many options when choosing a credit card company, as companies like HSBC promote specific credit cards to help people with poor credit.  Check out sites like Credit.com to learn more about the various credit card options you have as a consumer.

We have adopted a new strategy moving forward with this blog.  We want to tie in important happenings in our economy with the everyday life of all Americans.  To do this we will start with three weekly themes:

Monday’s Market Movers

This weekly theme will watch the global markets and discuss the significance they will play in our everyday lives.  Monday’s Market Movers will follow and examine how the markets will affect credit and lending on both the individual level as well as on the banking level.

Wednesday’s Washington Weekly

On Wednesdays we will examine important events from Capitol Hill and the White House to assess their direct impact on lending and credit.  We will look specifically at the enormous amounts of spending and how it will trickle down to the everyday lives of all Americans.

Friday’s Financial Fitness

On Fridays we will gear our theme towards helping readers better their financial and credit standing.  We will look at little things that can be done to better your credit score, save some additional cash, or help your borrower profile to get the loan you need.  The overall goal of Friday’s Financial Fitness is to get you into a healthier financial situation.

We will begin discussing these themes in the next week.  We will continue to grow and expand our themes based on the economic situation and the response from readers like you.