Industries

Credit unions generally struggle to make agricultural loans because the market is saturated by more experienced lenders. But they can develop the expertise — or acquire it through M&A.

On Dec. 31, 2022. Dollars in thousands.

On Dec. 31, 2021. Dollars in thousands.

The pending budget reconciliation legislation should retain measures meant to support minority homebuyers.

Louisiana's Transportation Secretary and the former Assistant to the President for Infrastructure discuss the state of play in the U.S. P3 sector, the impact of the new infrastructure law, and what's in store for the next decade.

On Sep. 30, 2021. Dollars in thousands.

In an open letter to Sandra L. Thompson, President Biden’s nominee for director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, two longtime advocates of the Federal Home Loan banks suggest a new path forward.

A gauge of U.S. firms extending credit climbed in December to the highest level in almost 18 years, signaling a strong bet on the economy’s prospects and heavy investment in automation.

On Jun. 30, 2021. Dollars in thousands.

Bankers are hopeful that the rebound in oil prices and a spike in natural gas use are precursors to more borrowing. But banks are maintaining above-average levels of reserves in case the delta variant stifles economic momentum.

On Mar. 31, 2021. Dollars in thousands.

The guarantor of mortgage-backed securities has been without a Senate-confirmed president for four and a half years. The vacancy makes it difficult for other government agencies to coordinate housing objectives, according to stakeholders.

Small increases in commercial real estate loan volumes, particularly at midsize banks, may be indicators that the sector has weathered the worst of the pandemic. Construction loan originations, which tend to fall sharply during a recession, are leading the way.

Alabama Credit Union's agreement to buy Security Federal Savings Bank, a small commercial lender, renews lingering questions about whether small banks are prey for tax-advantaged credit unions.

The agreement will allow the state-backed investment fund to meet surging financing demand for renewable energy projects. It is the largest-ever private fundraising deal by a green bank in the U.S.

The industry had tightened up last year in the face of COVID-19. But as the economic outlook improves, banks are now easing criteria amid heightened competition, according to the Federal Reserve’s survey of loan officers.

The Rhode Island bank is doubling down on the nation’s largest market after agreeing in May to buy dozens of branches from HSBC. Meanwhile, Investors Bancorp’s decision to sell itself underlines the challenges facing smaller regionals.

Ensuring the safety and soundness of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Home Loan banks is the core responsibility of the Federal Housing Finance Agency. That shouldn't change now that the president has the authority to fire the FHFA's director at will.

Comerica, which focuses on the energy sector, reported strong payment trends last quarter, while M&T, which concentrates more on real estate, showed deterioration. The divergence reflects varying exposures to sectors hit hard by the COVID-19 recession.

The bank's noninterest expenses fell by 8% in the second quarter — a sign that CEO Charlie Scharf is making progress in reining in spending that had been soaring in recent years amid heightened regulatory scrutiny. He ultimately hopes to reduce gross expenditures by $8 billion annually.