Japan Shares Rise, Steel Stocks Up, But Banks Fall

Rising interest rates and tightening capital standards will be key themes for most Asian banks next year, some analysts say, as expected interest-rate hikes in much of the region could benefit many lenders, though Japanese banks could prove an exception.

TOKYO, Nov. 19 (UPI) -- Japan's top six banking groups, hit by the global financial crisis, saw their combined profits plummet 58 percent in the first six months in fiscal 2008.