Where, specifically, does the data come?

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation requires every bank and thrift to submit performance data on a quarterly basis. That data is then available through the Freedom of Information Act to everyone.

The data is more commonly viewed through Call & Thrift Financial Reports.

The Call Reports are great, but you can only view one bank at a time, and unless you are familiar with the layout it can be difficult finding the data you want.

I get every insitution from the data download area at the Statistics on Depository Institutions section.

What data do you capture and why?

I capture performance data for the top 11 main lending products. The specific data elements are: Loan Amount, 30-89 Days Delinquent, 90+ Days Delinquent, Non-Accrual Amount, Charged Off Amount & Recovered Amount.

Yes, there are a ton of other interesting things to get and maybe will be future additions. I specifically grabbed loan data because, while the data may be delayed, the Delinquency data tells you what may be coming down the pike.

Why is the data delayed?

Because banks need time to compile it and prepare it for the FDIC. Banks get 1 month past the quarter end to submit preliminary data. This is then available in the Call Reports. Please note that the data can and does change - sometimes quite a bit.

The banks then get another ~ 28 days to firm up the data. It is then available for download through the SDI. If you are really on your A-game as an investor, you are looking at the Call Reports as soon as the data is available for your bank stock. Call me if you have questions - I'll be happy to walk you through the details.

Accuracy of Data

I try to be incredibly thorough in checking for errors to ensure data integrity.

That said, I am not naive enough to think this is perfect. If you see anything that remotely looks like a data issue please e-mail me the link.