3rd UPDATE: Citigroup Posts $2.5 Billion 2Q Loss, But Improves

3rd UPDATE: Citigroup Posts $2.5 Billion 2Q Loss, But Improves: "Citi increased its loan-loss provision for the credit card business because the company 'recently observed trends which point to an expectation of higher losses in the near term.'

'The rate at which delinquent customers advance to write-offs has increased,' particularly in areas where the housing market deteriorated, Crittenden said. ' Bankruptcy filings have also increased from historically low levels. In North America we are also seeing continued stress in the personal loan portfolio where losses have"