FDIC Shows Massive Growth In Problem Banks, But The Data Is Still Wishful Thinking--------------------------------
November 25, 2008 11:24 AM EST
StreetInsider.com
Today, the FDIC issued banking data from the third quarter ended September 30, which showed that the number of insured institutions on the FDIC's "Problem List" increased from 117 to 171 and the assets of "problem" institutions rose from $78.3 billion to $115.6 billion during the quarter. The FDIC said this is the first time since the middle of 1994 that assets of "problem" institutions have exceeded $100 billion.
The FDIC said during the third quarter 73 institutions were absorbed in mergers, and 9 institutions failed. This was the largest number of failures in a quarter since the third quarter of 1993, when 16 insured institutions failed. Among the failures was Washington Mutual Bank, an insured savings institution with $307 billion in assets and the largest insured institution to fail in the FDIC's 75-year history. The number of insured commercial banks and savings institutions fell to 8,384 in the third quarter, down from 8,451 at midyear.
The FDIC data also showed that net income of $1.7 billion was the second-lowest since 1990, and loan-loss rates rose to a 17-year high. On a positive note, net interest margins registered improvement.
Like it was in the second quarter (they left-out WaMu), the data the FDIC is issuing on the problem bank assets in the third quarter is misleading. We all know now that Wachovia (NYSE: WB) was near failure at the end of the third quarter and at the very start of the fourth quarter it was merged with Citi (NYSE: C) then later Wells Fargo (NYSE: WFC). Wachovia's assets base would have easily surpassed the $115.6 billion the FDIC mentioned as the total in the problem list. In addition, yesterday Citi (NYSE: C) needed a U.S. government rescue plan. How can it be that this data is so wrong? Is it the fear factor that they feel would be created if they were truthful. Maybe certain institution don't qualify as "troubled" but should. They need to look at how they qualify a troubled bank. Assets of troubled institutions should be in the trillions not $100 billion.
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