Bank stocks rallied while the Dow Jones industrial average gained more than nine points, to 3,726.14.
Major California banks were especially strong. BankAmerica Corp. gained $1.50, to $46.50; Wells Fargo & Co., $2.25, to $124.50; and First Interstate Bancorp, $1.625, to $64.25.
First Chicago Corp. was up $1.125 a share, to $42.75.