The financial services industry is still holding its breath awaiting the repercussions of the Durbin Amendment reforming debit interchange. The initial threat for which many are preparing is a material reduction in non-interest income. Although the amendment exempts financial institutions with less than $10 billion in assets, opponents argue that merchants will (of course) coerce […]
This is the question at the forefront of many people’s minds—particularly as loan balances continue to decline and deposit costs move closer to their floor. It’s a great question but impossible to answer with certainty. Since our crystal ball is as cloudy as the next, perhaps a better way to approach the question is to […]
Many thought that the recent Fed actions would drive rates lower, or at least help keep them at their extraordinarily low levels. However, in the roughly seven weeks since the Fed announced the second round of easing, the 10-year Treasury rate has actually increased about 100 bps, from 2.5% to about 3.5%. Thirty-year fixed mortgage […]
As we wrap up 2010, c. myers is interested in the outlook of credit union management teams as they prepare for 2011. Please take a moment to follow the link below and answer a brief 4-question poll. Your answers are anonymous and will not be made public. Thank you for your participation—happy holidays! http://www.cmyers.com/survey/index.php?sid=52415
Many credit unions rely on the corporate credit union system for mission-critical functions; however, changes in the corporate system are imminent. Alternative providers could possibly include other corporates, newly formed CUSOs, the Federal Reserve, large banks and publicly held companies. It is important to objectively evaluate each on their real merits. Following are just a […]