HSBC Critic Buys Ad Space

The founder, principal, chief-cook-and-bottle-washer of Knight Vinke Asset Management (KVAM) has renewed his criticism of HSBC. Today's Wall Street Journal contains Eric Knight's indictment of the giant global bank, taking up two thirds of page B6.

HSBC traces its history back to 1865, when a Scot named Thomas Sutherland decided that there was money to be made in providing banking services along China's coast. He set up a bank in Hong Kong in March and another in Shanghai in April -- hence the name, "Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation," which gave rise eventually to the more economical name: HSBC.

Skipping forward a bit ... HSBC shares are traded on four exchanges: Hong Kong, Paris, London and New York. It isn't literally true that trading never stops -- a really persistent trader/specialist might allow himself a bit of sleep after the New York close and before the Hong Kong opening bell. But not much.

Sticking to New York and to US dollar denominations: HSBC's stock was trading in a range between $96 and $98 for much of October. Through November, it has broken decisively out of that range -- downward. The price is now in the mid $80s. This is unsurprising, given the credit turmoil in the US especially. Why shouldn't investors in HSBC simply ride out that turmoil and wait for a rebound? What in particular makes Mr. Knight unhappy with management?

I'll leave that as my cliffhanger. More in tomorrow's entry.