Live Report · Updated January 26, 2026

Santander vs Interactive Brokers

Santander vs Interactive Brokers: this page compares their business models, financial performance, and market context to help readers understand how each firm operates and why it matters. The content is presented in clear, neutral language for accessibility and learning. Educational content, not financial advice.

Santander vs Interactive Brokers: this page compares their business models, financial performance, and market context to help readers understand how each firm operates and why it matters. The content ...

Comparison Snapshot

Key Financial Metrics

SAN

Metric

IBKR

$185.08B

Market Cap

$127.80B

-16.43%

Potential Profit

2.01%

Hold

Analyst Rating

Buy

Why It's Moving

Banco Santander surges to 52-week high amid revenue strength and analyst scrutiny.

Revenue crushed expectations at $26.22 billion versus $15.32 billion forecast, highlighting strong net interest income and a healthy 17.9% net margin.
Hit intraday 52-week high of $12.34 with elevated trading volume, reflecting market enthusiasm for 11.68% return on equity.
Analysts split with Hold consensus after downgrades from DZ Bank, Barclays, and UBS, tempering optimism on near-term upside.

Sentiment:

🐃Bullish

Interactive Brokers Surges to Record Highs on Q4 Earnings Beat and Trading Boom.

Commissions revenue leaped 37% to $477 million, driven by 65% surge in stock trading and 32% in high-margin options, signaling robust market participation.
Client equity hit $779.9 billion (up 37% YoY) and margin loans reached $90.2 billion, boosting interest income and underscoring deeper capital commitment from traders.
Analysts at BMO and Barclays hiked price targets post-earnings, citing solid pretax beats, confident management tone, and constructive 2026 market outlook for brokers.

Sentiment:

🐃Bullish

Banco Santander surges to 52-week high amid revenue strength and analyst scrutiny.

Revenue crushed expectations at $26.22 billion versus $15.32 billion forecast, highlighting strong net interest income and a healthy 17.9% net margin.
Hit intraday 52-week high of $12.34 with elevated trading volume, reflecting market enthusiasm for 11.68% return on equity.
Analysts split with Hold consensus after downgrades from DZ Bank, Barclays, and UBS, tempering optimism on near-term upside.

Sentiment:

🐃Bullish

Interactive Brokers Surges to Record Highs on Q4 Earnings Beat and Trading Boom.

Commissions revenue leaped 37% to $477 million, driven by 65% surge in stock trading and 32% in high-margin options, signaling robust market participation.
Client equity hit $779.9 billion (up 37% YoY) and margin loans reached $90.2 billion, boosting interest income and underscoring deeper capital commitment from traders.
Analysts at BMO and Barclays hiked price targets post-earnings, citing solid pretax beats, confident management tone, and constructive 2026 market outlook for brokers.

Sentiment:

🐃Bullish

Investment Analysis

Santander

SAN

Pros

Reported a record nine-month attributable profit of €10.3 billion in 2025, an 11% increase from the previous year.
Diversified business segments including retail, commercial, digital consumer banking, corporate and investment banking, and wealth management offer multiple growth streams.
Continues to grow revenue with a 4% increase reported in the third quarter of 2025, supported by improved efficiency and lower cost of risk.

Considerations

Share price forecast by technical indicators anticipates a decline of approximately 15% by December 2025.
Current stock price volatility is medium, with a Fear & Greed index indicating cautious market sentiment towards the stock.
Dividend payout ratio of 24% implies moderate dividend returns, which may limit income-focused investor appeal.

Interactive Brokers

IBKR

Pros

Operates a leading electronic brokerage platform with a strong reputation for low-cost trading and advanced technology.
Has a broad global customer base with sustained growth potential in retail and institutional client segments.
Strong focus on innovation and expanding product offerings, including cryptocurrency trading and advanced portfolio management tools.

Considerations

Exposure to market volatility and trading volume fluctuations can lead to inconsistent quarterly earnings.
Regulatory scrutiny on brokerage and trading platforms continues to increase, potentially raising compliance costs and operational risks.
Highly competitive industry landscape with pressures from new fintech entrants and evolving client expectations.

Related Market Insights

Global Blue-Chips: Could They Reduce Market Risk?

Invest in global blue-chip giants like Microsoft, P&G, & Coca-Cola. Discover how their worldwide operations and defensive traits can reduce market risk and stabilise your portfolio with Nemo.