STEVE INSKEEP, Host: Banks are selling a lot of stock, as we'll hear in NPR's business news.</s>STEVE INSKEEP, Host: Just yesterday, four big banks, including J.P. Morgan and Bank of America, sold nearly nine billion dollars in stock. Some are taking it as a good sign that investors are willing to pay, possibly a sign of renewed faith in the banking system.
The country's banks have sold billions of dollars in stock to raise capital and shore up their finances. Banks are under pressure to raise more capital before the government will allow them to repay the bailout money, also known as TARP funds. Banks are eager to repay the funds so they can avoid the special requirements that come along with the bailout money.