Earnings

The third interest rate increase of the year could have a significant impact on banks' lending, deposit gathering and even M&A decisions. Here's what to expect.

Big banks are expected to report that commercial lending weakened in the third quarter thanks to tax cuts, nonbank competition and seasonal factors. It raises questions about whether the second-quarter rally was an anomaly and if an overall economic slowdown is edging closer.

Profits at big banks should be solid if not spectacular; the Vermont senator proposes a hard cap on assets held by the biggest banks.

First Foundation sold loans to Freddie Mac to free up space for higher-yielding credits. It then bought the securities that were formed to replace other, lower-yielding assets through an often overlooked program.

Large retailers want the right to reject rewards cards at the point of sale to avoid higher swipe fees; Germany's financial regulator appoints an auditor to monitor the Deutsche Bank's progress.