Bank earnings continue to improve

Through the end of the first quarter, Oklahoma banks earned a solid $367 million.

“It’s an outstanding result, again, and it reflects the ongoing strength of Oklahoma banks,” OBA President and CEO Roger Beverage said. “When taken together, the nation’s 5,856 banks earned nearly $44 billion for the quarter. That compares to $39 billion at the end of the first quarter in 2016, and $39.8 billion during that same time period in 2015. So, even though the total number of banks is on a steady decline, the industry’s earnings are strong, and that’s a good thing.”