Disappointing earnings, shrinking revenues and optimism that somehow the economy is improving despite an ongoing housing hangover -- this is what America's biggest banks offered as they released year-end financial results last week.

WSJ: Don't Bank on It

The price targets are getting adjusted lower, and market caps are shrinking, but so are price to earnings and price to book ratios.

FORBES: Big Correction Adds To Value Picks In Big Emerging Markets

The acceleration in buyouts and buybacks will keep creating a booming world stock market by shrinking the supply of equity while boosting earnings per share.

FORBES: Never Before!