Most banks and thrifts continued to report solid earnings from their mortgage banking activities during the third quarter, but profits generally weakened and year-to-date performance clearly has not kept up with the pace set in 2016. A diverse group of 24 banks reported a combined $2.36 billion in mortgage banking income for the third quarter, down 11.3 percent from the previous period. Half of them posted declines. The group generated $7.33 billion in mortgage ... [Includes one data chart]