Should I buy Citigroup stock in 2025?

What is Citigroup?

How much is the Citigroup stock?

The price of Citigroup stock is rising this week. As of now, shares are trading at $75.53, up by $0.50 (0.67%) over the last 24 hours, though reflecting a 3.34% decline for the week. Citigroup’s market capitalisation stands at $141.07 billion, with an average three-month daily volume of 17.04 million shares. Key valuation measures include a P/E ratio of 11.93, a healthy dividend yield of 2.97%, and a stock beta of 1.28, suggesting moderate volatility. With robust fundamentals and ongoing transformation, Citigroup remains a closely watched name for investors in Ireland seeking balanced growth and income potential.

Our full analysis on the Citigroup stock

Having rigorously examined Citigroup's latest financial results and the evolution of its stock over the past three years, our analysis integrates a comprehensive set of financial metrics, technical indicators, real-time market data, and comparative benchmarks against global banking peers, all synthesised through proprietary quant algorithms. In doing so, we identify several compelling factors that position Citigroup as an intriguing case within the diversified financials sector. So, why might Citigroup stock once again become a strategic entry point into the banking space in 2025?

Recent Performance and Market Context

Citigroup (NYSE: C) has delivered an impressive recovery trajectory, with the stock currently trading at $75.53 as of 30 May 2025. After a robust 2024—during which the stock advanced +37% and outperformed the S&P 500—momentum has remained positive, with a +7.3% gain year-to-date and a strong +21.8% one-year performance. Notably, the current six-month gain of +6.58% demonstrates resilience even amid episodic sector volatility.

• Strategic Repositioning: The company continued the divestiture of non-core operations, highlighted by the sale of its Polish retail banking franchise to VeloBank.
• Share Buyback Programme: The announcement of a USD 20 billion buyback not only underscores management’s confidence but also signals value creation for shareholders.
• Executive Strengthening: The appointment of Robert Lighthizer as Senior Advisor marks Citigroup’s commitment to global strategy and regulatory insight.

Broader macroeconomic conditions are supportive: moderating inflation in developed markets, improved capital buffers industry-wide, and rising demand for digitized financial solutions all provide a constructive backdrop. For Irish investors seeking diversified exposure to global banking leaders, these dynamics position Citigroup as a notable contender in the sector.

Technical Analysis

The technical framework for Citigroup remains broadly constructive. The following key indicators warrant particular attention:

• Relative Strength Index (RSI) at 62.64 confirms a neutral to slightly bullish zone—signalling neither overextension nor exhaustion.
• MACD at 1.85 produces an unmistakable buy signal, supporting the view that positive price action could continue in the short- to medium-term.
• Stochastic %K at 82.58 may be considered somewhat overbought, but far from levels indicating reversal risk.

Across moving averages, Citigroup enjoys a suite of buy signals:

• 20-day MA: $73.36 (above current level, providing support)
• 50-day MA: $69.49 (well below, and trending upwards)
• 100-day MA: $73.29
• 200-day MA: $69.16

The proximities of the 20-, 100-, and 200-day moving averages below spot price indicate a favourable trend structure, with key support established at $73.67 and near-term resistance only marginally higher at $76.15. Market-wide technical consensus is bullish, with 15 major indicators aligned to upside momentum versus only 2 leaning negative.

This technical landscape suggests Citigroup may be entering a new consolidation band at a higher level, offering an excellent technical base for investors evaluating a fresh entry, especially given the stock is near critical support but with headroom to consensus targets.

Fundamental Analysis

On the fundamentals, Citigroup’s outperformance has not been incidental; it is rooted in a resumption of robust earnings growth and strategic repositioning:

• Q4 2024 net income surged to $2.86 billion—a significant swing from the prior year’s loss. Revenue for the quarter jumped +12% YoY to $19.58 billion, driven by strong showings in Investment Banking (+35% YoY) and U.S. Personal Banking.
• Full-year 2024 net income reached $12.7 billion, a notable +40% rise versus 2023. Citigroup comfortably outpaced consensus earnings per share, delivering $1.34 versus expected $1.22 in the most recent quarter.

The valuation case remains compelling:

• Forward P/E ratio at 11.93 provides a meaningful discount to both U.S. and global banking peers, while the Price-to-Book of 0.73 highlights an underappreciated asset base relative to book value.
• The dividend yield at 2.97% is attractive in the context of global rates, and buybacks could further amplify shareholder returns.
• Consensus price target stands at $84.19 (approximate 11.5% upside), but the upper range of targets reaches into the $98-110 zone, hinting at longer-term value.

Structurally, Citigroup boasts:

• Unmatched global reach (presence in over 95 countries).
• Diversified, resilient business mix (across Wealth, Institutional, Personal Banking, and Services).
• Sound liquidity position ($970.42bn).
• Executive management under Jane Fraser, whose vision for digital transformation is redefining the organisation’s competitive edge.

Volume and Liquidity

Market participation in Citigroup has been both consistent and deep, attested by a 65-day average daily volume of 17.04 million shares and an enormous float of 1.86 billion shares. Such liquidity ensures narrow spreads, efficient price discovery, and reflects sustained institutional engagement—factors that underpin stability and support dynamic valuation as catalysts emerge.

Notably, the ample float coupled with frequently high trading volumes fortifies investor confidence in the stock’s responsiveness to both macro and idiosyncratic developments, making it a pragmatic core holding for active and passive strategies alike.

Catalysts and Positive Outlook

There are multiple bullish catalysts reinforcing Citigroup’s upward profile:

• Transformational Restructuring: CEO Jane Fraser’s programme—a blend of cost rationalisation and targeted digital investments—is accelerating, promising further margin expansion.
• Share Buyback: With the board authorising a USD 20 billion buyback, downward pressure on the share count is likely to translate directly into enhanced returns per share and capital efficiency.
• ESG and Regulatory Leadership: Ongoing investment in digitalisation and ESG compliance positions Citigroup at the vanguard of responsible banking and regulatory alignment, a growing concern for institutional investors.
• Global Diversification: The divestiture of low-growth regions and redirection of resources toward high-potential markets delivers a credible growth narrative, even in cyclical or volatile contexts.
• Favourable Sector Dynamics: Improved U.S. economic resilience, moderation in global interest rates (ostensibly supportive for lending spreads in developed markets), and a constructive regulatory environment all function as tailwinds.

Through these catalysts, there is a visible uplift in institutional and analyst sentiment, with a majority buy recommendation and a consensus that the stock is entering a structurally bullish phase.

Investment Strategies

For investors evaluating their horizons, Citigroup offers several compelling entry strategies:

• Short-Term: With the stock consolidating near support at $73.67 and technical momentum building, tactical entries may capture swings towards and beyond immediate resistance around $76.15. The coming quarters’ earnings and ongoing buyback execution could act as catalysts for renewed rallies.
• Medium-Term: The ongoing restructuring, delivery on buyback promises, and expected margin improvements into 2026 form a robust thesis for holding through multi-quarter upside.
• Long-Term: For those seeking durable value in globally diversified financials, Citigroup’s compelling P/E, undervalued book, resilient cash flows, and geographic footprint serve as anchors for long-term growth, capital appreciation, and a dependable dividend stream.

Given the current technical setup and visible earnings momentum, positioning now—either incrementally on pullbacks or ahead of upcoming strategic catalysts—appears well justified in a diversified portfolio.

Is it the Right Time to Buy Citigroup?

In sum, Citigroup demonstrates a confluence of technical strength, resurgent fundamental earnings growth, underappreciated valuation, and organisational transformation. The commitment to shareholder returns (via generous buybacks and dividends), digitalisation, and global leadership in diversified banking provide a resilient platform for further appreciation.

With broad market and analyst sentiment skewing positively, a suite of active catalysts, and a valuation proposition that remains notably attractive relative to peers, Citigroup stock may be entering a new bullish phase. For investors in the IE market seeking exposure to a revitalised global financial leader, the fundamental and technical evidence together suggest that Citigroup seems to represent an excellent opportunity for renewed interest.

In this context, Citigroup appears uniquely positioned to deliver superior risk-adjusted returns in the coming cycle—inviting investors to take a closer look at what may well be a strategic entry point into the global financials sector for 2025 and beyond.

How to buy Citigroup stock in Ireland?

Buying Citigroup stock online is both straightforward and secure when using a regulated broker authorised in Ireland or the EU. Investors can choose from two main methods: buying the shares outright (spot buying), which means direct ownership, or trading Contracts for Difference (CFDs), which allows you to speculate on the price with leverage but without owning the shares. Both approaches are accessible to retail investors via user-friendly broker platforms, with robust protections in place. To help you select the right provider, you can find a detailed broker comparison further down the page.

Cash buying

A cash purchase means buying Citigroup shares directly and becoming a shareholder. This is the most common and transparent investment method for those seeking long-term gains or dividends. Typically, Irish investors pay a fixed commission per transaction, usually around €3–€6 (converted from USD if trading on the NYSE), plus minimal currency conversion costs.

Example

If the Citigroup share price is $75.53, you can buy approximately 13 shares with a $1,000 stake (about €915 at current rates). Assuming a brokerage fee of around $5, your transaction will look like this:

• Shares bought: 13 ($75.53 × 13 = $981.89)
• Brokerage fee: $5
• Total spent: $986.89

✔️ Gain scenario: If the share price rises by 10% to $83.08, your 13 shares are now worth $1,080.04.
Result: +$98.15 gross gain, i.e. +10% on your investment (before tax and fees).

Trading via CFD

CFD trading lets you speculate on price movements of Citigroup shares without owning them. With CFDs, you can use leverage—amplifying potential gains or losses. Instead of commission, brokers typically earn from the spread (difference between buy and sell price) and charge overnight financing fees if the position is held for more than a day.

Example

You open a CFD position on Citigroup shares with $1,000 and 5x leverage. This gives you market exposure of $5,000.

✔️ Gain scenario: If Citigroup stock rises by 8%, the underlying price movement gives you a 40% return (8% × 5 leverage).
Result: +$400 gain on a $1,000 stake (excluding spread and overnight costs).

Final advice

Before investing, it’s essential to compare brokers’ fees, trading conditions, and regulatory protections, as costs can vary significantly. The best approach depends on your objectives: choose direct share purchase if you prefer holding assets with dividends, or CFDs if you want to trade short-term price movements with leverage. A detailed broker comparison is available just below to help you make an informed decision tailored to your needs.

Our 7 tips for buying Citigroup stock

The latest news about Citigroup

Citigroup announced a $20 billion share repurchase programme, signaling strong capital positioning and management confidence. This major capital return initiative, confirmed within the last week, underlines Citigroup’s robust liquidity and a proactive stance towards enhancing shareholder value. The scale of the buyback—the largest in the sector so far this year—strengthens the investment case for institutional players in IE, who closely monitor global financial institutions’ capital strategies, especially given the bank’s significant indirect presence and product distribution in Ireland and continental Europe.

First quarter 2025 results show continued momentum, with quarterly net income up and revenue growth outpacing consensus forecasts. Citigroup reported net income of $2.86 billion for Q4 2024, turning around from a net loss in the previous year and exceeding analyst expectations for both earnings and revenue. Notably, the bank recorded $19.58 billion in revenue, representing 12% year-on-year growth. For Irish institutional stakeholders, these results reinforce Citigroup’s international lending credibility and operational resilience, supporting the group’s position as a key banking partner for Irish corporates and multinational clients operating from Dublin.

Technical indicators now show strong buy signals, with consensus from 15 bullish metrics and key moving averages trending higher. Analysis as of 30 May 2025 reveals robust technical momentum: the 20-, 50-, 100-, and 200-day moving averages all suggest upward price trends, while the MACD indicator gives a clear buy signal. Citigroup’s share price, despite minor short-term volatility, is currently above critical support levels and close to technical resistance, presenting a constructive outlook which is highly relevant to active Irish fund managers using momentum-based strategies.

Citigroup maintains a leading role in investment banking, with sector revenues up 35% in the most recent quarter, amid continued digital transformation. The bank’s dominant performance in investment banking, coupled with ongoing digitalization and restructuring under CEO Jane Fraser, provides additional assurance to clients and investors. Citigroup’s ability to deliver record service revenues and leverage its global platform continues to attract new mandates from Irish-based technology, fintech, and multinational firms seeking innovative financing and advisory solutions.

The analyst consensus remains optimistic, with a 14.5% upside target and strengthened buy recommendations following recent results and capital actions. Market sentiment has improved significantly, reflected in a consensus price target of $86.32—well above current levels—and widespread analyst buy ratings. For Irish asset owners and professional allocators, these expert assessments, rooted in the bank’s recent financial outperformance and aggressive capital return policy, bolster confidence in Citigroup’s future risk/reward profile and positioning within global diversified portfolios.

FAQ

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.