First Busey (BUSE) Shares Rise 0.85% to 2025 High

First Busey (BUSE) shares rose to their highest level since March 2025 today, with an intraday gain of 0.85%.

The strategy of buying BUSE shares after they reached a recent high and holding for 1 week showed poor performance over the past 5 years. The annualized return was -0.7%, significantly underperforming the market. This indicates that relying on recent highs as a buying trigger and holding for a short duration is not a reliable strategy for BUSE.

First Busey's stock price has been influenced by several key factors recently. Van Dukeman, the company's Chairman and CEO, was named Banker of the Year by the Illinois Bankers Association. This recognition highlights his leadership and the transformative changes he has implemented at Busey, including the acquisition of CrossFirst Bank. Such accolades can boost investor confidence and sentiment towards the company's strategic direction.

Another significant event is the acquisition of CrossFirst Bank, which is considered the largest in Busey's history. Strategic acquisitions often open up new growth opportunities and expand market presence, which can positively impact stock performance. This move is expected to enhance Busey's competitive position in the banking sector.

Additionally, Busey was named among America's Best Banks by Forbes for 2025. This recognition can further enhance the company's reputation and attract investors seeking reliable banking stocks. The combination of leadership recognition, strategic acquisitions, and market accolades is likely to contribute to the positive sentiment surrounding Busey's stock.

Furthermore, there are indications that First Busey may be trading below its fair value estimates. This potential undervaluation could attract value investors, who are always on the lookout for stocks that are priced below their intrinsic worth. This factor, along with the others mentioned, could influence the movement of Busey's stock price in the coming days.