Bank stocks

Analysts say lenders' shares could rally on deregulation, lighter tax burdens and a resurgence of M&A. Declining interest rates and lower loan losses could further bolster bottom lines and attract investor interest.

Anticipated interest rate cuts could help stressed borrowers, but such a shift in monetary policy may curb lending income.

Bank stocks are up this year as interest rates have leveled off and there are hopes that pressure on lenders' profits could moderate.

Institutions and their investors are facing pressure from climate activists, cautiously awaiting interest rate cuts and adjusting to new Federal Reserve and FDIC policies.

Some concerns linger over the sector after Silicon Valley Bank's collapse last month. The most pressing worry now, analysts say, is not whether banks will survive but how much money they'll make in the coming months.

The House passed the legislative package, which includes an excise tax on stock buybacks, in a 220-207 vote.