Economic indicators

Credit unions could see a host of new growth opportunities from the online retailer's new headquarters, but concerns remain surrounding housing prices and infrastructure.

The largest U.S. bank's strong third quarter did not insulate its leaders from being pressed about the downside of pricey investments in technology, whether capital rules make commercial lending growth hard for big banks to achieve, and whether another economic downturn is edging closer.

Big banks are expected to report that commercial lending weakened in the third quarter thanks to tax cuts, nonbank competition and seasonal factors. It raises questions about whether the second-quarter rally was an anomaly and if an overall economic slowdown is edging closer.

The Community Bank Sentiment Index, an outgrowth of a yearly survey conducted by the Conference of State Bank Supervisors, is intended to bring attention to market conditions and how they affect small banks' growth prospects.

As director of the Fed's Division of Research and Statistics, David Wilcox is responsible for briefing the Federal Open Market Committee on the outlook for the national economy.

The central bank's survey of loan officers said banks are easing their credit standards for commercial and industrial loans as competition heats up.

Yet another economist is warning credit union professionals that the economic tides could shift dramatically in less than 18 months.

The latest Credit Union Trends Report from CUNA Mutual Group predicts robust membership growth in the year ahead and sustained lending growth due to positive economic factors.

The increase was led by new car loans, which rose by 12.7 percent. Approximately 20 percent of the state's population are now credit union members.

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s semiannual report on industry risk said tougher competition between banks, leading to looser underwriting, could arise from the economic expansion.

The Federal Reserve’s beige book survey indicates the economy is expanding as household loan demand declines.

An economist for the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues says trends are positive, but there are concerns that things could change in 2018.

In its regular Beige Book report, the Federal Reserve said that despite high consumer confidence, economic vital signs remain mixed.

The good news: SBA lending is going gangbusters and business owners are optimistic about growth prospects and their ability to access credit. The not-so-good news: Many firms are still not particularly interested in borrowing and startups are not the engines of job creation they once were.

Amid a rising rate environment, political uncertainty and rising delinquency, credit unions can still take steps to protect their bottom lines.