This article describes how many of the larger banks are curtailing lending and the regional banks are picking up the slack. This is a direct result of the Dodd-Frank legislation which has had the effect of reducing lending as banks are forced to horde capital, and shut down formerly profitable business operations. This is a big reason why the economy has experienced such lackluster growth even after the deep recession that we went through. Reducing credit at the worst time possible will likely be one of the worst legacies of this era of financial regulation. The regional banks are in an excellent position to provide financing on attractive terms as the big banks pull back. There are still some very good values on the regional bank side such as Regions Financial (RF). These companies are insulated from the European issues as far as direct exposure, but the ramifications of a slowing global economy are unfortunately felt by all.
INVESTING IN THE FINANCIAL MARKETS INVOLVES RISKS. OPTIONS ARE NOT SUITABLE FOR ALL INVESTORS.