RBC is optimistic on American Express despite an uncertain near-term outlook for the U.S. consumer.
Analyst Jon Arfstrom upgraded American Express to outperform from sector perform.
Arfstrom noted that he favors American Express due to its limited revenue reliance on late fees.
A looming headwind over the sector is the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's proposal to essentially cap "excessive" late fees by approximately 75%.
If the measure passes, companies that are more reliant on late fees will be more at risk, according to Arfstrom.
Persons:
Jon Arfstrom, Arfstrom, — CNBC's Michael Bloom
Organizations:
RBC, American Express, Express, American, Consumer