At the start of 2018, many analysts we spoke to on our show were positive about European cyclicals, especially financials after what was a bumper fourth quarter for the continent's economic data.

With a strong beta to underlying growth, as well as relatively cheap valuations to U.S. counterparts, what was not to love?

It seems quite a lot. The long financials play has unfortunately not worked out the way many had been hoping for. The sector is one of the worst performing in Europe this year, down more than 9 percent.

No doubt a good part of that is down to positioning in the space, that also happened to coincide with a slowdown in economic data and renewed dovishness out of the European Central Bank, which has since dispelled any hopes of rate hikes for at least another 12 months — and therefore a headwind for the interest rate-sensitive banking sector.

In the last three months, investors have pulled cash away from the continent, first due to political concerns, such as in Italy and Germany, and then trade concerns, such as tariffs. But, interestingly, banks have been the hardest hit — even more so than autos.

But has the time come to dip toes back in again?

We are about midway through the European earnings season. According to Deutsche Bank research, the best earning per share growth surprises so far have been exhibited by financials, with analysts expecting even further earnings growth in the third quarter. The average price-to-book among European banks is just shy of 1, versus around 1.6 for U.S. equivalents, albeit with a lower return on equity. So, from a valuation standpoint, the temptation is there.

Ali Miremadi, investment director at GAM, recently told CNBC that in today's environment, it's less about the macro and more about picking the banks with the right strategy and the ability to deliver on cost-cutting measures. He cited Unicredit as being one bank that has managed to increase revenue, cut costs and maintain its capital position — yet is still very undervalued.