The rapid decline of subprime lender New Century Financial has added a new sense of urgency to first quarter earnings reports due this week from Wall Street investment banks Lehman Brothers, Bear Stearns and Goldman Sachs.

While first quarter profits from all three are expected to be up from last year, analysts and investors will be listening intently for any comments from executives about the potential future impact on profits from the dramatic meltdown at New Century and across the subprime mortgage market.