Deposits

On Dec. 31, 2018. Dollars in thousands.

Community banks in the state have struggled to attract the funds to meet surging loan demand, but that could change now that a new law has made it easier for them to accept government deposits.

The Money Anxiety Index, a measure of consumer saving and spending habits, has started rising off a 50-year low. The economist who created it says that means another slump is nearing, and that banks should use the intel in pricing deposits and making other decisions.

Among his many responsibilities in the newly created role, Brian Doubles will be in charge of expanding Synchrony's direct-to-consumer banking business.

The Honolulu-based credit union said its earnings dropped by more than 37% from a year earlier.

As credit unions attempt to bring in deposits to fund more loans, one institution's success story could offer a path for others.

The Wisconsin bank's pending acquisition of 32 Huntington branches would boost its ability to make more loans, but like other banks it said deposit costs are cutting into margins.

The nation's first credit union saw an 88.5% increase in net income for 2018 thanks to a variety of factors, including a one-time payout from the National Credit Union Administration.

The Raleigh, N.C.-based institution said it also has more than 500 employees.

Fifth Third bought MB Financial in the quarter and benefited from increases in corporate banking revenues and a slight improvement in credit quality.