Shares of banks and other lenders and money managers were lower amid concerns about the economic recovery.

Visa's $5.3 billion deal to buy a key player in the financial-technology space is in jeopardy because of antitrust concerns, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter. The Justice Department could decide soon whether it will sue to block Visa's acquisition of Plaid, a firm that provides the technological infrastructure underpinning an array of next-generation financial apps. After spending the better part of the year scrutinizing the deal, the department is concerned it could limit nascent competition in the payments sector, people familiar with the matter said.

Two large international banks struck a hopeful note as they reported third-quarter earnings. London-based, Asia-focused HSBC Holdings took fewer provisions for bad loans, beat earnings estimates, and said it might pay a conservative dividend.

Banco Santander, based in Spain but with big operations in Latin America, the U.S. and U.K., also lowered its bad-loan charges and posted better-than-expected profit for the period, saying it was confident it could resume cash dividends once regulators allow it. 


 Write to Amy Pessetto at amy.pessetto@dowjones.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

10-27-20 1728ET