18 banks have gone under so far this year. But how do you know if yours will be next? Keith Fitz-Gerald says the IRA Bank Industry Stress Index can be used like a financial X-ray to see what’s really going on in the banking sector.

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.

It takes more than a globally competitive economy to have a sound banking system. For the third straight year, the United States finds itself at the top of the Global Competitiveness Index (GCI), published by the World Economic Forum (WEF) as part of its annual Global Competitiveness Report.

Microsoft Profit Up; Goldman Slashes Jobs; Dow Reports 6% Jump in Profits; Sony Slashes Earnings Outlook; WaMu Debt Value Set; Crude Gains on OPEC Expectations

The markets haven’t exactly soared on the passing of the bailout bill. But Andrew Gordon says some firms are going to make huge profits from the bill.

Andrew says, “Real estate companies, hedge funds, and private-equity firms have raised tens of billions this year alone for the specific purpose of buying distressed debt. The bailout is about to kick off the biggest fire sale of real estate in US history.“

However, these firms may also inherit heaps of bad debt if they don’t do their research properly. There will be plenty of big losers for every big winner from this bailout.