JPMorgan takes $1.3 billion writedown

(Reuters) - JPMorgan Chase & Co said on Wednesday quarterly profit fell a worse-than-expected 24 percent as the No. 3 U.S. bank lost $1.3 billion on risky mortgages and set aside more money for rising losses on home-equity loans.

The bank quadrupled to $1.1 billion the provision it needs to cover continued problems on home equity and subprime mortgage loans. It also said credit card spending slowed in December, a sign the U.S. economy could suffer as cash-strapped consumers face rising food and heating costs while the value of their homes slide.

"We remain extremely cautious as we enter 2008," JPMorgan Chief Executive Jamie Dimon said in a statement. He said a worsening U.S. economy would boost consumer credit losses beyond current levels.

 

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