BIG BANK REBOUND: Five of the nation's largest banks, including Bank of America Corp., are expected to post profits for the first quarter.

EYE ON REGIONALS: The outlook is less upbeat for regional and small banks, which have seen growing losses on commercial real estate loans. They're expected to set aside more money that will protect them from losses but that will also errode their profits.

LITTLE LENDING: Profitable or not, banks aren't expected to increase lending amid high unemployment and a scarcity of qualified borrowers, analysts say.