Results due from Goldman, J.P. Morgan Chase and Citigroup...

It's gut-check time for investors next week as earnings from three of the nation's largest banks may help determine whether the recent financial-led stock-market rally is a legitimate bull run or a bear trap.

When the first quarter ended last week, it appeared to some the best of times, and to others the worst. Financial-sector bulls during the quarter profited mightily, while bears took a beating, but ever determined, continued to increase short positions betting against the tide...