The 7 Best Bank ETFs for American Bulls

Bank stocks and other financial equities are back in the spotlight again with the dawn of another earnings season. And any wind in their sails is sure to be felt by bank ETFs.

The financial sector helps kick off each quarter's run of earnings reports, starting with majors such as JPMorgan Chase (JPM) and Citigroup (C), then followed by regional banks, insurers and stock brokers. Robust economic activity means more business for banks - more mortgages, auto loans and business loans, as well as spending via personal credit - and that should show up in their quarterly reports.

Another bullish driver: The Federal Reserve has raised the fed funds rate three times in 2018 alone - which in turn is helping lift interest rates - to help keep America's economy from heating up too much. That is a good problem to have, especially if you hold and funds. Rising rates help banks by improving their net interest margin (the spread between what banks