Are the Banks Becoming a Screaming Buy?

Yesterday in PROFIT CONFIDENTIAL, I wrote how I felt that "...stocks are starting to look very attractive" to me. The market must have read my column, as the Dow Jones Industrial Average gave our new President a first day on the job gift: a big 279-point rally.

Please mark down January 21, 2009, in your calendar or on a piece of paper. Why? That particular day may go down in 2008 history as a very important day for the stock market. While I need a few more days to see the market action play out, one of the most important market indicators I follow may have flashed the first part of a two-part buy signal.

Let's not get too ahead of ourselves. The stock market is a tricky creature. But I'm watching this development very carefully for my beloved readers and hope to have more for you in the next few days. Let's keep it quiet for now.

Back to the current action... Are banks becoming a "screaming" buy for investors?

Some corporate insiders must think so. Yesterday, the CEO and five directors of Bank of America bought $3.0 million worth of shares in the bank they work for. Meanwhile, the CEO of JPMorgan bought more than ten million dollars in shares in the bank that employs him.

Hmm... The banks are laying off thousands of people. Bank of America has reported billion-dollar losses, the stock is down from a 52-week high of $45.00 to $6.00 and insiders are buying the stock.

My guess?

The bank will become lean and mean again after the layoffs are out of the way. The billions the government is pouring into Bank of America won't hurt either. And if the government comes through with its idea to create a government owned "bad bank," into which the "bad" loans of commercial banks (like Bank of America) will be transferred, Bank of America will be a big winner. I see some smart insider buying going on with the banks. They are definitely worth a look.

Profit Confidential

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