Economy adds jobs as unemployment rate rises
The unemployment rate increased to 3.7 percent in May as the economy added 339,000 jobs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. [Continue]
Fed council: New regulations will fuel community bank M&A
A sharp increase in regulatory compliance expenses will likely spark a rise in community bank M&A, according to minutes from a recent Federal Reserve advisory council meeting. [Continue]
Trade groups pan reintroduced ‘swipe fee’ bill
Banking trade groups say the recently reintroduced bill changing credit card “swipe fee” rules will harm community banks and prove detrimental to consumers. [Continue]
Dueling stablecoin bills introduced
Passage of a stablecoin bill remains elusive as Republicans and Democrats introduce separate bills. [Continue]
Survey: Most Americans indifferent to CBDC
Nearly half of Americans have not formed an opinion on the creation of a central bank digital currency, according to a recent study. [Continue]
Banking groups criticize CU membership proposal
Banking groups are pushing back against an NCUA proposal that would ease membership standards for credit unions. [Continue]
Farm debt grew in the first quarter
Farm debt at commercial banks increased at a steady pace in the first quarter of this year as liquidity remained strong, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. [Continue]
Iowa’s Central Bancshares acquiring Illinois bank
Muscatine, Iowa-based Central Bancshares is acquiring Moline, Ill.-based McLaughlin Holding Co. [Continue]
Economic activity stagnant as ag conditions improve
Economic activity was largely unchanged in April and early May, according to the Federal Reserve’s Beige Book. [Continue]
Harnessing unique business lines to boost bottom line
Prominent niche lenders emphasized the benefits of specialized segments on May 1 during the Bank Holding Company Association’s Spring Seminar in Edina, Minn. [Continue]