Retail & Commercial

If the recent holiday shopping season is any indication, consumers may be setting aside their caution with credit card spending and are back to consuming through debt.

Westamerica Bancorp (WABC) of San Rafael, Calif., posted net income of $16.1 million for the fourth quarter, a 16.1% decrease from a year earlier.

Chain Bridge Bancorp in McLean, Va., has hired a former Wells Fargo (WFC) banker as its bank's president.

Bank Mutual (BKMU) in Brown Deer, Wis., reported higher earnings due mostly to improved credit quality.

Citigroup Inc. (C), the third-largest U.S. lender, agreed to sell servicing rights for about 64,000 Fannie Mae residential first-mortgage loans as it seeks to reduce a portfolio of unwanted assets.

Simmons First National (SFNC) in Pine Bluff, Ark., plans to close 27 branches, according to regulatory filings.

The number of U.S. properties saddled with foreclosures last year dropped 26 percent from 2012, according to RealtyTrac, an online real estate firm.

First Republic Bank (FRC) in San Francisco posted slightly higher earnings in the fourth quarter thanks to higher revenue from loans and improved credit quality.

The Treasury Department plans to sell $3 billion of Ally Financial Inc. common stock, reducing taxpayers' stake in the firm to 37 percent.

I would feel better about banking at a place that took an active role in educating the public on the financial system. I would also appreciate a complete breakdown on any puzzling paperwork, confusing mathematics or common mistakes when I sign up for an account.