FDIC 3Q11 Review of US Banking System

BAC may be just 15 cents shy of trading with a 4 handle, but the FDIC's 3Q11 banking report released yesterday paints a picture of the US banking system that is actually rather healthy.

Despite persistent economic worries in the 3rd quarter, US banks were finally almost fully back to 07 earnings levels.  US banks earned $35.3B in the quarter compared with $35.6B in 3Q07.

On an ROE and ROA basis banks showed similar signs of healing.  Even though investors continue to worry about the earnings power of banks under a new regulatory environment, returns on equity and assets continue to improve and are almost back to pre '08 levels as well.

Banks are earning these profits at much higher levels of capital as well.  The US banking system is extremely well capitalized.  The stress tests wont show anything different.

This is especially true because credit continues to improve.  Barring another recession, banking balance sheets should continue to get better.  For now, they seem to have turned the corner.