The term premium on U.S. 10-year Treasurys crept above zero last week for the first time in almost two years, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
F.N.B., Western Alliance, East West Bancorp, Pinnacle are top picks while First Horizon, Associated Banc, Banc of California and First Interstate get downgrade.
An ISM barometer of business conditions at U.S. service-oriented companies fell slightly in September and indicated some softening in the U.S. economy.
Ford said Wednesday that it sold more than 500,000 vehicles in the U.S. during the third quarter, amid strength in hybrid and electric vehicles and trucks.