Expense management

The Louisiana company has vowed to meaningfully improve investor returns and efficiency over the next two years.

The North Carolina company's efforts to contain expenses made up for a marginal increase in revenue.

A debate is brewing about whether rising rates mean banks must pay more to hold onto deposits from city and county governments — and whether they are worth it. Some would say no question on both counts, while others say it all depends on the financial strategy of the client and how badly the bank needs that client.

A mix of tax sweeteners and a lower cost of living has prompted banks such as MUFG Americas, Northern Trust and Bank of the West to locate corporate-level jobs in Phoenix and surrounding areas.

Executives at U.S. Bancorp and Bank of America plan to use their tax savings to ramp up spending on new technology to stay competitive — but they sought to reassure investors that they would not abandon cost control.