Loan loss reserves have perked back up in recent quarters and are at roughly 1.75% of loans outstanding, according to MRB Partners. If the economy only modestly slows, as many economists expect, new loan loss reserves could be smaller in the future. This situation comes as bank earnings were generally better than expected for the first quarter. Lauren Goodwin, chief market strategist and economist at New York Life Investments, agreed that a potential slowing or reversal of loan loss reserves would be positive for bank earnings but said she is cautious about bank profitability more broadly. To be sure, banks may need to increase their loan loss reserves if the economic outlook gets worse.

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Persons: Banks, Bob Elliott, Salvatore Ruscitti, Ruscitti, Lauren Goodwin, Goodwin, they're, Unlimited's Elliott Organizations: MRB Partners, Funds, Bank, P Bank ETF, New York Life Investments Locations: Bridgewater, MRB