Total outstanding U.S. auto loans reached a record high of $902.2 billion through April, an increase of more than 10% from the same time a year earlier, according to the latest Equifax National Consumer Credit Trends Report released Thursday.

WASHINGTON — Due to an improving jobs market and better credit conditions, homebuilder D.R. Horton, Inc. is betting the time is right to cater to the first-time homebuyer.

Everyone these days is chasing Apple and Amazon.com. But are the strengths of these brands applicable to the banking industry?

First Niagara Financial Group in Buffalo, N.Y., reported higher quarterly profit after increased commercial and auto lending offset an rise in spending and a decline in fee income.

Hancock Holding in Gulfport, Miss., reported lower quarterly earnings, primarily because of lower returns from its loan portfolio.

Customers Bancorp in Wyomissing, Pa., turned strong loan and deposit growth into higher profits last quarter.

Banner in Walla Walla, Wash., reported a big increase in second-quarter earnings thanks to its recent branch acquisitions in Oregon.

City National in Los Angeles reported a sharp rise in profits in the second quarter, fueled by loan growth and an increase in fee revenue.

Iberiabank's quarterly profits jumped due to growth in the Lafayette, La., company's loan portfolio.

BankUnited in Miami Lakes, Fla., reported lower quarterly profit because of rising noninterest expenses and a higher loan-loss provision.

Ion Bank has been using interactive teller machines, which let customers conduct video chats with tellers, for more than a year. The technology has helped some of its branches stay open for business 27 hours longer per week without overspending.

Community Bank of the Chesapeake in Waldorf, Md., has a new chief executive.

A number of community banks reported higher loan-loss provisions during the second quarter despite improved credit quality. For some, the burgeoning trend could be yet another sign that the industry is getting back on track.

Berkshire Hills in Pittsfield, Mass., reported higher quarterly earnings because of loan growth and gains from the purchase of 20 Bank of America branches.

Fifth Third Bancorp took a $17 million impairment charge on properties it owns because it no longer plans to build branches on them. More banks may need to do the same.

Susquehanna Bancshares in Lititz, Pa., reported a profit of $43.5 million in the second quarter, down 5% from a year ago, as mortgage and capital markets revenues fell sharply.

Texas Capital Bancshares in Dallas reported higher quarterly profit, fueled by an increase in the size and quality of its loan portfolio.

Banks can ensure that their oversight teams help to propel the whole company forward by creating a thorough governance structure and hiring overseers with experience in key business lines.

Pacific Continental in Eugene, Ore., is set to have its first new chief executive in a dozen years.

Business First Bancshares in Baton Rouge, La., has agreed to buy American Gateway Financial in Baton Rouge.