NEW YORK - The delinquency rate on U.S. mortgage loans hit an all-time high in the second quarter, but the pace of growth for the rate slowed, a possible sign the mortgage crisis may be beginning to turn the corner.

Data provided by the credit reporting agency TransUnion shows the ratio of mortgage holders who are 60 days or more behind on their payments increased for the 10th straight quarter to 5.81 percent nationwide for the three months ended June 30. That's up 65 percent from 3.53 percent in the second quarter of 2008.

Delinquency of 60 days is considered a precursor to foreclosure, because of the difficulty homeowners would have coming up with two back payments to bring themselves current.

While the delinquency rate hit a new high, the increase from the first to the second quarter was 11.3 percent. In the two previous quarters, the rate rose nearly 16 percent. The slowdown may be a good sign, said FJ Guarrera, vice president of TransUnion's financial services division. "We have reason to be cautiously optimistic."

There's no way to know why the pace of growth is slowing, Guarrera said, but it appears government and mortgage lenders' programs to help distressed homeowners are beginning to help. He also said consumers are being more careful in their spending.

For the second quarter, Florida, Nevada, Arizona and California had the highest delinquency rates, mirroring states where foreclosures are highest. In Florida, the rate rose to 12.3 percent, up from 11 percent in the first quarter and 6.47 percent in the second quarter of 2008.

TransUnion expects the delinquency rate to keep rising. Guarrera said it will take about a year before rates start to fall. "Forecasts are telling us that the recovery will be slow," he said.