NR 98-83
August 6, 1998


                              News Advisory
                                    
               Banking Economics Condition Press Briefing
                            Will Be August 11
                                    
WHAT:   Press briefing focussing on bank earnings, credit
        quality, recent lending activity, and  implications of
        Asian economic turmoil and Y2K

WHO:    Nancy Wentzler, OCC's director of economic analysis

WHEN:   10 a.m., Tuesday, August 11

WHERE:  OCC Headquarters, 250 E St., S.W., Washington, D.C.

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) collects
economic data from a variety of sources and analyzes it to
assist the agency in its mission of furthering the safety
and soundness of the national banking system.   Nancy
Wentzler, director of economic analysis at the OCC, will
present her analysis of recent data and will be available to
answer media questions.

Background charts and graphs will be distributed at the
briefing.

Media credentials are required.

Video crews should call in advance to facilitate arrangements.

                                   # # #

The OCC charters, regulates and examines approximately 2,600 national banks
and 62 federal branches and agencies of foreign banks in the United States,
accounting for 58 percent of the nation's banking assets.  Its mission is to
ensure a safe, sound and competitive national banking system that supports the
citizens, communities and economy of the United States.