Economic indicators

The American Bankers Association’s credit conditions index fell sharply, as economists foresaw dampening loan demand. The weaker outlook lines up with major bank CEOs’ increased worries over a possible recession.

An American Bankers Association panel of experts predicted much slower economic growth, but agreed that the U.S. economy will avoid a recession over the next couple of years.

After lying low for a couple of years, wealthy consumers are poised to unleash nearly a quarter-trillion dollars in a card-spending binge that only a COVID-19 resurgence could derail, according to Visa's chief economist, Wayne Best.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture expects farm profits to drop by 8% this year due to multiple factors, creating credit quality questions for ag banks.

Banks report solid commercial and industrial loan demand, but are increasingly concerned about how soaring inflation and the specter of recession will affect their clients.

In “The Journey of Humanity,” the economics professor Oded Galor explores the complex question of why some countries have flourished while others continue to struggle.

In a recent survey, just over half of community bankers expressed concern that the central bank will harm the U.S. economy by raising rates too fast in its quest to contain inflation.

Although small banks and credit unions are enjoying healthier loan portfolios, they are also bracing for potential setbacks due to higher interest rates and inflation.

Business inventories, a key indicator of potential loan demand, are expected to swing upward this year as supply chain bottlenecks finally crack open, according to a panel of economists.

With prices increasing faster than they have since the 1990s, the Federal Reserve appears poised to tighten monetary policy. Top industry executives are worried about the chances of either a recession or runaway inflation, depending on whether the central bank moves too quickly or too slowly.