Illinois home sales 5% higher in 2003, setting new record - 2004-01-26
Low mortgage rates helped post a 5 percent increase in Illinois's home sales in 2003 from 2002, the Illinois Association of Realtors revealed Monday.

In December, total home sales were 8,891, up nearly 2 percent from the same month last year. The median existing single-family home price was $171,800 in December, up 5.2 percent from December 2002.
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First Banks' Q4, fiscal year profit up - 2004-01-26
Higher net interest income and gains on mortgage loans were reasons why First Banks Inc.'s saw a 4 percent increase in fourth-quarter profit.

The company reported net income of nearly $15.4 million, up from $14.8 million in the same quarter last year.

Return on average assets for the quarter was 0.85 percent, up from 0.81 percent a year earlier. ROA of 1 percent is considered a benchmark for financial institutions.
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