WASHINGTON - It's been a good three years for the nation's 29 corporate credit unions. As of year-end 2003, total assets in the network stood at $73.8 billion, up 7.1% over 2002. But looking from year-end 2000 to year-end 2003, assets in the network are up 86%. Corporates, who are hoping to some day move back to risk-based capital, can point to their solid health as one argument for getting there. Total capital - for corporates that's defined as retained earnings, plus paid-in-capital, plus membership capital shares - was $5 billion as of year-end 2003, compared with $4.5 billion at year-end 2002. Total capital has increased by 80% since 1997. Corporates are also showing they can make money even in a low rate environment. Corporates have expanded their product lines into things like online banking, business services, consulting and other non-core services that can bring in non-interest income. Non-interest income at year-end 2003 was $188.8 million up 14% over 2002.