The diagnosis on banks is comforting, despite a few weak spots here and there and an economy that's slowing down.

After decades of beating out their peers in the return on average assets race, Eighth District banks now trail the pack.

Reforms enacted after the S&L crisis have yet to persuade holders of jumbo CDs to monitor their banks' risky practices.

Risky behavior by banks is kept in check primarily with two tools: examinations and the rule that requires owners to keep a certain amount of their own money invested in their banks. Some people now want to tap the markets for further assistance with bank supervision.

Those worried that recent banking consolidation will leave rural residents underserved might be surprised to learn how far large banks have cast their nets in pursuing the banking business of those outside urban areas