Results include
Economic Indicators
Jul 6, 2023
Bottom Line: ISM's survey-based index of the services sector rose sharply more than expected in June as employment rose amid accelerating new orders. When available prior to the nonfarm payroll report, the employment component of this services survey is a...
Mar 7, 2024
CFIs continue to dominate agricultural lending, but lending on the whole is down and unlikely to rebound in the immediate future. We discuss why CFIs should continue actively engaging with agricultural borrowers and what they should know about the trends facing this sector.
Nov 6, 2023
More and more CFIs are partnering with fintechs to automate and improve their ag lending practices. We share details of how such partnerships are enhancing banking relationships with farmers and ranchers.
Feb 23, 2023
Faced with volatility in the stock and real estate markets, investors (including private equity firms) are turning to farmland as global commodity prices grow. That’s keeping some people from going into farming and means that established farmers are sitting on an increasingly valuable piece of collateral. We discuss how CFIs can support existing and new farmers.
Aug 5, 2022
The boom of hobby farmers is driving up rural real estate prices and driving traditional farms out of the market. With aesthetically attractive farms being the most in demand, here are the best ways to advise traditional farmers and ranchers so they can find viable, affordable land.
May 23, 2022
Many farmers have been reaping the benefits of rising commodity prices, some higher than 140% over the past 18 months. Yet, the Russian invasion of Ukraine changed the direction of the wind for many farmers. How will your agricultural customers fare through the geopolitical turmoil?
Sep 21, 2023
This is the second part of our summary of the FDIC 2023 Risk Review. We take a closer look at the FDIC’s findings on potential credit risks for the banking industry and community financial institutions.
Oct 20, 2022
Between inflation and higher interest rates, businesses need to charge more for goods and services, while also worrying that they’ll lose price-sensitive customers. As a result, CFIs are likely to see increased credit stress soon. We discuss six strategies CFIs can use to manage credit risk challenges in a volatile environment.
Oct 17, 2022
Underappreciated or undiscovered industry or customer niches can be areas of expansion for CFIs. Here are two banks that are hoping to grow by responding and catering to the specific business needs in their own communities.
Jul 20, 2022
In this second part of our summary of the FDIC 2022 Risk Review, we take a closer look at the FDIC’s findings on potential credit risks for the banking industry and community financial institutions. While credit conditions for banks have improved in 2021, we examine the increased credit risk in certain sectors and markets linked to pandemic-related challenges, rising inflation and the war in Ukraine.
Apr 22, 2024
In response to inflation, higher interest rates, regulatory capital increases and declining demand, some banks have pulled back on lending for equipment leasing and financing. That’s created opportunities in equipment finance and leasing for interested CFIs.
Mar 2, 2023
CRA-regulated CFIs play a crucial role in supporting low- and moderate-income communities and small businesses. We discuss how institutions can ensure compliance with the Act, and how it is evolving to meet the needs of today’s world.
Oct 14, 2022
When potential customers search for financial services online, where does your brand show up on the results page? Whether your brand comes up first or twenty-seventh, it’s important to stay up to date on what determines this ranking and make changes to your site accordingly. We’ve compiled a list of tips for enhancing your website with original, compelling content, as well as practices you should avoid.