Regional bank stocks, as measured by the KRE ETF, are moving higher as earnings season for the sector gets underway. Several key regional banks are reporting financial results today, and the broader sentiment for the banking industry is positive following strong reports from larger institutions earlier in the week. Investors are optimistic that the current environment of relatively high interest rates will boost net interest margins, a key profitability metric for regional lenders. The sector is also reacting to today's economic data releases.