Citigroup Higher For Seventh Day In A Row Off Q1 Beat

'' Citigroup

shares are trading higher by $1.16 at $53.37 in Thursday's session. The catalyst for the rally is a Q1 beat for EPS ($1.52 vs. Est. $1.39) with inline sales at $19.8B. It appears the Street was anticipating solid earnings from the banking giants as it has traded higher in its last six trading sessions rallying from it April 7 close ($51.52) to $53.21 at Wednesday's close. After today's higher open at $53.98, the issue has only retreated to $53.80 and is at its highs for the session ($54.45). If the rally continues the next identifiable resistance level may be at its March 12 high ($54.72). That high coincides with its January 2 high ($54.69).