Thrifts Post Record 2Q Earnings

Thrift institutions posted record profits in the second quarter as single-family originations jumped 20% from those of the prior quarter to $169.4 billion, according to the Office of Thrift Supervision.Lower mortgage rates increased loan demand, the OTS said. However, the percentage of adjustable-rate mortgages fell to 42% of loan production from 50% in the first quarter. And refinancings declined to 30% of loan production from 37% in the prior quarter. The OTS said its examiners are closely monitoring newer types of loans, such as interest-only ARMs, as well as home equity lines of credit. But troubled loans at thrifts are at a record low. Meanwhile, thrifts reported record earnings for the third consecutive quarter even though the value of mortgage servicing assets declined by $112.6 million in the second quarter. Earnings totaled $4.03 billion, up 1% from those of the first quarter and up 20% from those of the second quarter of 2004.