 The recession never showed up. That is a big reason why banks are doing so well. Once investors and companies accepted that a recession is probably not coming soon, markets started doing really well. The S&P 500's up 19% year-to-date. That has made companies less fearful. They're comfortable with the direction of markets. Art Hogan is chief market strategist at B. Reilly Wealth. The markets feel firm enough for them to go ahead and make bold decisions.