Plains Commerce Bank recognized as Top 20 industry earnings performer

The Independent Community Bankers of America, through its national publication Independent Banker, highlighted Plains Commerce Bank as a Top 20 industry earnings performer.

Plains Commerce Bank was recognized for posting one of the top 20 best year-end earnings performances in 2004 for ICBA member banks with $100 million to $250 million in assets.

"Community banks are integral parts of the economic and civic fabric of thousands of towns and cities across America," said ICBA Chairman David E. Hayes, president of Security Bank in Dyersburg, Tenn. "In addition to offering the quality financial products and services their customers need, community banks like Plains Commerce Bank spend countless hours and resources helping their communities to thrive. ICBA congratulates Plains Commerce Bank for serving its community so efficiently and effectively."

What are people saying about mortgages today:

Rates on 30-year mortgages edged down last week to a seven-month low. Mortgage-giant Freddie Mac reported Thursday that 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages fell to 6.3 percent, down slightly from 6.31 percent two weeks ago. It put rates at the lowest level since they were at 6.24 percent the first week of March.

Bank of Hawaii, Central Pacific Bank, Territorial Savings Bank and Wells Fargo Home Mortgages all cut their 30-year mortgage rates to 5.75 percent this week.

Most people think of a mortgage as a means to an end. After all, you buy a house, not a home loan. But a mortgage is much more than the path to homeownership. It is a financial instrument that must be managed, just like any other financial investment.