THE ECONOMY

The number of Americans behind on mortgage payments by more than 30 days decreased in the second quarter, thanks to robust economic growth and declining interest rates, the Mortgage Bankers Assn. of America said. The delinquency rate fell to a seasonally adjusted 4.33% from 4.47% in the first quarter, although it was up from 4.25% a year ago. The percentage of loans in foreclosure fell to 1.10% from 1.14% in the previous quarter.