Viewpoints

Minneapolis-based U.S. Bancorp, which operates U.S. Bank branches in Wisconsin, reported record third quarter net income of $1.4 billion, or 74 cents per share, up from $1.3 billion, or 64 cents per share, in the same period a year ago.

Chicago-based Northern Trust Corp., which operates a Northern Trust Bank branch in downtown Milwaukee, reported third quarter net income of $178.8 million, or 73 cents per share, up from $170.4 million, or 70 cents per share, in the same period a year ago.

Associated Bank, a division of Associated Banc-Corp, announced it will close 12 retail branches in Wisconsin and Illinois to enhance efficiency in its branch network.

Milwaukee based ManpowerGroup reported third quarter net earnings of $63.1 million, or 79 cents per share, down from $79.6 million, or 97 cents per share, in the same period a year ago.

BMO Financial Group announced it has completed the integration of the personal, commercial and wealth operating systems of Harris Bank and M&I Bank.

Bank Mutual Corp. reported third quarter net income of $2.0 million, or 4 cents per share, up from $1.3 million, or 3 cents per share, in the same period a year ago.

Green Bay-based Associated Banc-Corp reported third quarter net income of $45 million, or 26 cents per share, up from $34 million, or 20 cents per share, in the same period a year ago.

Despite posting a record third quarter with a 49-percent increase in earnings, Caterpillar Inc. lowered its outlook for 2013.

Johnson Controls Inc. has released details of the restructuring activities it has planned for the fourth quarter.

Over the past five years most observers would agree there has been little to cheer about in the broader economy. The recession of 2008-09 negatively impacted many economic metrics; from gross domestic product to income to employment to investment spending.