Financial Stocks 'At Risk' in 2013: BofA/Merrill

NEW YORK (TheStreet) --Financial stocks have outperformed the broader market in 2012, but are "at risk" in 2013, according to a report from Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

"We expect financials to trade sideways for the coming few years," states the report from technical analyst Mary Ann Bartels. "The tactical rally and leadership trend for financials that began in late 2011 is coming under pressure in late 2012. Key support for the S&P 500 Financials Index is 200. Relative to the S&P 500, Financials have improved but a breakout above near-term relative range highs is required to put in a year-long relative price base."

An email message to Bartels seeking further explanation of her view wasn't returned.

The Financial Sector Select SPDR (XLF) was up 22.96% year to date shortly after Monday's open, versus 13.46% for the S&P 500. Bank of America (BAC), regularly among the most heavily traded U.S. stocks, has been a particular standout, climbing more than 90% on the year.

The report, which recommends investors focus on healthcare, consumer staples telecom utilities and stocks with high dividend yields, also urges investors to look at "mega-cap" stocks that are underweighted by institutional investors versus their benchmark weighting in the S&P 500. It identifies 29 stocks fitting that description, of which just two--Citigroup (C) and U.S. Bancorp (USB)--are financials. The list also includes General Electric (GE)--classified as an industrial company despite its sizable financial presence.

-- Written by Dan Freed in New York.

Follow @dan_freed

Disclosure: TheStreet's editorial policy prohibits staff editors, reporters and analysts from holding positions in any individual stocks.