How bad will earnings be for banks?

The big boys of commercial banking will report next week, and it's not going to be pretty. We've noted that there is a lot of angst about Citigroup's earnings, but there could be nasty surprises from the likes of Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Wachovia and Wells Fargo, as well. Citigroup and Washington Mutual will most likely lose money but there are lots of other questions. Capital ratios are a big issue. Credit quality beyond real estate loans are a definite issue. Credit card debt looms as an issue. These are the times when analysts really earn their keep. The Street has bid down these issue pretty dramatically. Citigroup will get the ball rolling on Tuesday, and that will set the tone for the group.  

For more:
- here's an AP preview