Feds say Massachusetts banks are healthier than those in other states

By Associated Press

08/27/2008- Daily Hampshire Gazette

BOSTON (AP) - Massachusetts banks have fewer assets and are dealing with more delinquent loans, but are generally in better shape than institutions in other states.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. said on Tuesday that of the 148 state-chartered banks it insures, the percentage of delinquent loans and leases rose to 0.67 percent as of June 30, up from 0.57 as of March 31.

Nationally, the percentage was 1.94 as of June 30 and 1.64 at the end of March.

Total assets in Massachusetts banks fell to $223 billion from $234 billion a year ago.

Massachusetts banking commissioner Steven Antonakes says the figures show that state institutions are healthy and the decline in assets was not surprising given the weak economy.