Stocks increased today, ending a dismal 2008 on a positive note.  The KBW Banking Index rose 3.21% and the KBW Regional Banking Index rose 3.88%. The broader S&P 500 Index was up 1.42%.

The Bank Index was led by Huntington Bancshares Incorporated, Zions Bancorporation, and Bank of America, which were up 7.43%, 7.08%, and 6.34%, respectively. Leading the Regional Banking Index were Citizens Republic Bancorp, Sterling Financial Corporation, and Boston Private Financial Holdings, which were up 14.62%, 11.68%, and 9.27%, respectively.