Dividend Raises from (JPM) (WFC) (USB) Expected

Today the Federal Reserve will let the banks who passed recent stress tests go ahead with dividend increases, with most believing JPMorgan (NYSE:JPM) is at the top of the list for going forward. Also expected to be released to boost dividends are Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC) and U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB).

The banks cleared already know who they are, but the U.S. government sent all banks a two-page memorandum that forbids them from discussing how they fared in the tests. It warns that they can't "disclose any underlying analysis or findings related to your bank."

What is significant for today is they banks cleared to raise dividends will be allowed to announce it.

Those receiving permission will have a huge advantage over their competitors, as it'll attract those investing for dividends, obviously, but also give the banks more flexibility in deploying or raising capital over their peers.

U.S. Bancorp closed Thursday at $26.35, up $0.20, or 0.76 percent. Wells Fargo closed at $31.36, up $0.13, or 0.43 percent. JPMorgan closed at $44.56, gaining $0.75, or 1.71 percent.