ALEXANDRIA, Va. — NCUA found federally insured credit unions' asset and share growth strong during the third quarter of 2007.

“The loan to share ratio increased to 82.66 percent signifying credit unions diligently fulfill their mission of being a major lending source for their members,” NCUA Chairman JoAnn Johnson said. “A significant portion of loan growth can be attributed to real estate lending during the first nine months of 2007.” A review of annualized figures shows first mortgages continuing to increase 12.49% while other types of real estate loans rose 8.0%

However, credit union first mortgage fixed, hybrid, and balloon delinquencies increased from 0.28% to 0.44%, and first mortgage adjustable delinquency increased from 0.33% to 0.46%. Still net charge-offs for first mortgage real estate stayed the same as 2006 at 0.02%.

Through the first three quarters of 2007, credit union:

? Assets increased 6.5 percent to $744.4 billion from $709.9 billion;

? Loans increased 6.7 percent to $519.2 billion from $494.4 billion;

? Investments increased 5.5 percent to $186.7 billion from $179.5 billion;

? Shares increased 6.0 percent to $628.1 billion from $601.2 billion;

? Net worth increased 6.1 percent to $85.6 billion from $81.9 billion; and

? Membership increased 1.9 percent to 86.97 million members.

Share certificates continue to grow at 14.4% annualized, followed by money market growth of 10.5% and IRA/KEOGH growth of 10.3%. Regular shares fell 3.1% and share drafts declined 2.5%, “which may indicate members are transferring funds, taking advantage of the often higher rates offered in money market accounts or share certificates,” NCUA said.

Back on the lending side of the balance sheet, unsecured credit cards increased an annualized 7.21% while other unsecured loans grew 6.54%. Used car loans were up 2.80% while new auto loans fell slightly (0.47%).

Credit unions' return on average assets held steady. Gross income increased but so did the cost of funds and net operating expenses, resulting in an ROA of 0.75%, the same as mid-year 2007.