Alan Kline

Record loan originations and strong growth in wealth assets under management more than offset a double-digit increase in expenses at the San Francisco company.

U.S. consumers are borrowing more than ever to buy homes and cars, pay for college and even finance every day purchases. Is it a display of confidence in the U.S. economy or are many households living far beyond their means?

Banks are capitalizing on changing consumer habits - and satisfying a pressing need to diversify their loan portfolios - with a spate of instant point-of-sale loans for everything from iPhones to home improvements.

Double-digit growth in total loans more than offset higher chargeoffs and a decline in fee income at the Pasadena, Calif., company.

Net interest income has surged thanks to rising rates, but noninterest income has lagged as trading revenue has weakened, refi demand has softened and fees from deposit service charges have barely budged. Is this the new normal?

Net interest income climbed nearly 16%,, though overall profits declined as the Columbus, Ga., company paid down debt and took a one-time charge related to the new tax reform law.

Look for banks to boost dividend payouts, expand into new markets, increase their tech spending and, eventually, ramp up their C&I lending. But don't expect much in the way of M&A.

Buying Capital Bank Financial helped boost revenue by 17% in the fourth quarter, but one-time charges related to recent tax cuts dragged down the Memphis company's profits.

A large writedown on its portfolio of taxi medallion loans marred an otherwise strong fourth quarter for Signature Bank in New York.

Though business owners are more optimistic about the direction of the economy since the tax law was passed, it's doubtful their borrowing will increase meaningfully until they see more signs of more robust growth, bankers say.