11.   Asahi Bank of Japan Ltd. led the slide as traders said rising interest rates threaten to erode bank profits.

12.   Asahi Bank and Industrial Bank of Japan Ltd. led the slide as traders said rising interest rates threaten to erode bank profits.

13.   At the same time, bank profits have hit the highest level in more than a half century.

14.   Australian bank shares dropped amid concern that a home loan rate war among major lenders will reduce bank profits next year.

15.   Australian stocks fell as bank shares tumbled amid concern the benign inflation environment may be drawing to a close, darkening the outlook for bank profits.

16.   Bank profits are more likely to suffer when interest rates are higher because they have to pay their customers more for deposits.

17.   Banks perform best in a climate of low rates and inflation when demand for loans increases, raising bank profits.

18.   Banks stocks would benefit if North American interest rates fell because lower rates increase demand for consumer loans and mortgages, boosting bank profits.

19.   Bank profits are likely to be hurt as interest rates rise because they have to pay their customers more for deposits.

20.   Bank profits benefit from stable or lower interest rates.