I consider it my personal mission to wade through the muck and mire of all the bad news out there in order to bring you something positive. I've got something for you today!

Remember Indy Mac Bank (as if you could forget)? The spectacular fall of that institution has led many (including me) to speculate on the health of the banking industry as a whole. Will banks survive without serious bailout from the government? Will taxpayers be forced to reach into their dusty pocketbooks for cash to pay for the bailout?

[Cue theme song from Indiana Jones]

Never fear, Wells Fargo Bank and its glorious stagecoach are here to save the day!

Well, not really, but kinda.

Barry Habib reported yesterday that the institution's second quarter profits were higher than estimates, and that's not all! The bank also announced that it has the capital -- and the confidence -- to increase shareholder dividends by 10%.

The stock market was drooping before the news broke, but this injection of positivity led the Dow to close back above 11,000.

I'm picturing Indiana Jones driving the Wells Fargo stagecoach up to Wall Street in a cloud of dust, ticker tape flying. He jauntily cracks his whip as he tosses that weathered hat of his across the square to land confidently and securely on the head of the bull.

Maybe not. But hey, as long as we're on a positive spin, let's bring some Hollywood dazzle to the news!

Cyara Pott - Market Specialist