Retail & Commercial

A new Gallup poll finds that 62% of Americans prefer saving their money compared to 34% who enjoy spending, a percentage gap that is one of the widest since the poll began in 2001.

Idaho, South Dakota and Wisconsin have the nation’s highest interest rates for payday loans, according to a report released by the Pew Charitable Trusts.

Synovus Financial (SNV) tripled profits thanks partly to broad loan growth and recent branch sales. The Columbus, Ga., company reported earnings of $45.9 million in the first quarter, up from $14.8 million.

Citigroup Inc. (C) is seeking bidders for about 50 branches holding $3 billion in California as the third-largest U.S. lender pares brick-and-mortar outlets, said three people involved in the process.

UMB Financial (UMBF) in Kansas City, Mo., reported lower quarterly results that largely reflected merger-related expenses.

Buoyed by strong loan and deposit growth, Signature Bank (SBNY) in New York said Tuesday that its first-quarter profits climbed 30% from the same period last year, to $66 million.

Community banks need a steady flow of prospects. A partnership with a successful retail concept virtually guarantees constant customer traffic.

Bank of New York Mellon Corp., the world's largest custody bank, reported a first-quarter profit after a loss a year ago as rising stock markets lifted assets and fees for overseeing them.

Regions Financial (RF) in Birmingham, Ala., reported lower first-quarter results as improved credit and lower expenses failed to completely offset a steep decline in mortgage revenue.

BancorpSouth (BXS) in Tupelo, Miss., reported higher quarterly profit fueled by acquisitions and improved operating performance.