Quote from scriabinop23:
You know what I think is interesting ...
Even though the market doesn't initially like ascending interest rate policy, following this past bear (2001/2002), the time they started raising signalled the beginning of a bull. (and lowering rates actually is bearish)
My gut says the rate rhetoric is in full swing right now to talk crude down more than anything else. If it comes down, I think we're holding pat for a little bit longer.
If crude falls back down to earth, who knows ... this may be a buying opp of a lifetime. Looking at some regional bank balance sheets right now and I have to say that there appears to be opportunity just as long as short int. rates don't go to 8-15%.