PNC Financial Services Group

The move is part of the effort by banks and other companies to promote racial equity and be more sensitive to the stresses on front-line employees.

The Pittsburgh company’s sale of its stake in the asset manager yielded billions of dollars that could cushion the pandemic’s economic blow and eventually help fund a big acquisition.

They are under less pressure from policymakers to halt repurchase plans, but some have already hit the brakes and others may unofficially do so if the pandemic worsens.