The results of the government’s bank stress tests were released yesterday (Thursday), and the U.S. Federal Reserve has directed 10 banks to raise an aggregate $70 billion-plus in capital.

Although we’re still in the middle of the worst financial crisis in decades, a few select banks are positioned to make a boatload of profits. And if you pick the right ones, gains of 100% or more are easily within reach.

Following my report on the viability of the Top 12 U.S. banks, a number of readers have suggested that I missed Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB).

Investing your money and keeping it safe and sound is crucial, especially during a recession. Money Morning’s Mike Cagesso shows you a few DRIP companies to keep your eye on.

The Treasury’s plan to inject $250 billion in capital directly into US banks is underway. But William Patalon III says some of these taxpayer funds will be used by big banks to acquire junior competitors. This means the increase in lending that the plan is supposed to spark will be modest at best. And less competition in the banking sector could mean a rise in fees going forward.

Investors need a solid defense right now, says Martin Denholm. This means holding high-dividend stocks. Consumer staples and telecoms industries are the best places to cherry pick strong companies. For a lower-risk alternative, try these two high-dividend ETFs (AMEX:SDY, PEY).

What They’re Saying About The Financial Sector Sounds Nice… As I was running to catch my early morning flight on Saturday, I grabbed a copy of the New York Times and Barron’s. I looked at the Barron’s cover and figured that I must not have gotten enough sleep and was still in dreamland.

The last time I recommended a bank to anybody was last August. And it was a Canadian Bank – Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS). Once upon a time – not that long ago – banks were solid, safe investments that generated a steady stream of income through the dividends they issued.

Three major U.S. banks – including Fifth Third Bancorp. (FITB) and Wachovia Corp. (WB) – got clobbered in recent days on the news that they’ve lost another $1.6 billion by making investments in the Citigroup Inc. (C) Falcon hedge fund that lost 75% of its value earlier this year.

Pop quiz: Over the past six months, one sector of the market has seen more insider buying than any other. Can you name it? If you think it’s technology, you’d be wrong. Yes, the sector has enjoyed a resurgence in recent months, but not enough to whip up a heavy enough wave of insider buying as the sector I’m talking about.