NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) July 17, 2014--Fifth Third Bancorp posted moderate second-quarter results. Standard&Poor's Ratings Services-adjusted second-quarter core net income was $316 million, down from $342 million in the previous quarter and from $378 million in second-quarter 2013. (All periods are adjusted for Vantiv-related share sales and valuation adjustments). Sharply lower mortgage banking revenue, a $61 million legal reserve charge, and higher credit provisions more than offset slightly higher net interest income and stronger card processing and deposit service fees. Based on these results, which were broadly in line with our expectations, our ratings on Fifth Third (BBB+/Stable/A-2) remain unchanged. We expect Fifth Third's earnings in 2014 to be roughly flat to 2013 results. Low interest rates,
