Two of Americas weakest big banks returned to profits in the first quarter of 2010 in a positive sign for the countrys financial sector and broader economy. Bank of America and Citigroup unveiled surprisingly strong earnings when reporting results on April 16th and 19th respectively. For both lenders, this marked a break from losses across the second half of 2009, as well as doubts about earlier profits driven by accounting manoeuvres. The reports appear to put an end to any lingering doubts about whether the two banks can operate free from the government Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), which both left last year. They also indicate a wider economic recovery, with results improving in the "Main Street" divisions that lend for mortgages and credit cards. The countrys principal banking groups -- and especially the consistently profitable JPMorgan Chase, which itself unveiled results on April 14th -- have in the past year generated earnings primarily from "Wall Street" units in investment banking and securities trading. Profits again By making solid profits, Bank of America (with net earnings of US$2.8bn) and Citigroup (US$4.4bn) surprised analysts who were expecting weak earnings or losses in the latest quarter. Their erratic performance has contrasted sharply with that of JPMorgan, which has logged consistent profits for several quarters, including profits of US$3.3bn in the latest period (see chart). The countrys other nationwide universal bank, Wells Fargo, is scheduled to release its first-quarter figures on April 21st.