WASHINGTON — U.S. banks earned more from July through September than in any other quarter over the past six years. The increase is further evidence that the industry is strengthening four years after the 2008 financial crisis.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. said Tuesday that the banking industry earned $37.6 billion in the third quarter, up 6.6 percent from $35.3 billion in the third quarter of 2011.
About 57 percent of the banks reported improved earnings, which allowed them to set aside less for losses on loans. And the number of troubled banks fell to the lowest level in three years. For the second straight quarter, loans to consumers increased in most categories, including home mortgages and auto loans. That suggests banks are becoming less cautious, which could help the broader economy. More lending leads to more consumer spending, which drives roughly 70 percent of economic activity.
Still, the increase in consumer lending was “relatively modest,” and regulators would like to see more of it, FDIC Chairman Martin Gruenberg said.
“This was another quarter of gradual but steady recovery,” he said. “Overall the news is encouraging, but continuing downside economic risks remain.”
For the first time since 2009, the biggest contributor to the earnings was increased revenue rather than reductions in what banks set aside for loan losses, the FDIC said.
Revenue increased 3 percent in the third quarter from the same quarter a year ago, after showing sluggish growth in previous quarters.
JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here
We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.