1.   While semiconductors and Internet stocks reflected the wild ride for technology stocks, banking stocks displayed powerful consistency throughout the year.

2.   And banking stocks fell on concern about the fate of a government plan to deal with problem loans at bank-affiliated housing lenders, traders said.

3.   Analysts are of many minds about the outlook for banking stocks, with some sounding alarms and others remaining cautiously optimistic.

4.   Banking stocks climbed more than one percent as a group.

5.   Banking stocks extended their declines, as the sector is seen to be the most at risk in an economic downturn.

6.   Banking stocks fell on revived concern the government has not committed enough to helping lenders take care of their bad loans, Kawasaki said.

7.   Banking stocks rose after a weeklong drop in bond yields showed signs of holding.

8.   Banking stocks slid on expectations earnings will be hammered as loan growth slows and defaults pile up due to the slumping peso and rising interest rates.

9.   Banking stocks weakened amid continuing worry an expected spate of new share issuances from banks could drive down prices if supply outstrips ready demand.

10.   Banking stocks, on the other hand, were among the leading decliners.