Stress Test??

There was a statement made over the past couple of days, as the administration continues to delay announcing the results, the economy has started to show signs of recovery. Last week the unemployment rolls decreased for new claims for the first time. More and more economists are talking about the economy showing some strengths, at the same time traders on Wall Street are using more and more positive language.
Popular opinion would say that the Banks should have gone down after the leak about Citi and Bank of America possibly needing to raise cash, but the gained on Friday. Over the weekend it was leaked that they both may need up to $10 billion in additional funds. Once again the stocks rallied on the news. When you take into account that unemployment is a lagging indicator and the rolls seem to be stabilizing, then it only makes sense that the Banks will be able to start putting away less in provisions. Every dollar that doesn't go to provisions, in turn is added directly to the bottom line. More money on the bottom line allows for greater capitol ratios and more money to lend. Provisions are paid forward, so when you. Think that the Banks will have six months to raise the funds, it would be possible for them to earn their way there through the little mentioned point for being in business, revenue.
When you look at the tardiness of the stress tests it is hard to make any argument that they will be at all relevant. Luckily for the networks the press release will make for good headlines and give the "experts" something to talk about.