By Jonathan Stempel

NEW YORK, July 22 (Reuters) - Wachovia Corp led several large U.S. banks
in posting weak second-quarter results on Tuesday, as soaring losses
from mortgages and other debt led to large write-downs.
The loss for Wachovia totaled $8.86 billion. Two Ohio-based regional
banks, Fifth Third Bancorp and KeyCorp , posted losses, after warning
last month of weak results. Southeast regional banks Regions Financial
Corp and SunTrust Banks Inc each said profit fell.
Wachovia and Regions also slashed their dividends, while Wachovia, Fifth
Third and KeyCorp incurred charges from their tax treatment of some
lease transactions.
Banks are suffering as the nation's housing crisis deepens, making it
harder for consumers, businesses and homebuilders to stay current on
their loans.