The FDIC reported that [bank and thrift earnings set a record this quarter [FDIC]]((http://www.fdic.gov/news/news/press/2005/pr11805.html), above the prior record set in the first quarter. Other items of interest are:

* Residential mortgage loan growth increased 3.6% over last quarter. (I’d consider this a solid increase.)

* Growth in real estate construction was 7.2% and is accelerating. (This is reflective of the potential for an over supply of housing.)

* Home equity loan growth increased by 0.8%, the smallest quarterly increase in 4 years. (This could be a clue to a weakening economy as homeowners cooled off their use of home equity accounts, which is largely credited with keeping the economy going.