The March consumer price index (CPI) showed a 3.5% increase compared to March 2023—while the probability of a June rate cut has quickly plunged from 56% to 17%. Though March’s inflation reading was significantly down from the pandemic-era peak in 2022 (the highest level since 1981), it remains above the Fed’s overall target of 2%.

For much of the last year, advocates in DC have acknowledged that a comprehensive Farm Bill reauthorization, which includes a wide array of programs such as crop insurance, farm subsidies, forestry, rural housing and infrastructure, and nutrition programs like SNAP (formerly known as food stamps), was highly unlikely to pass in this cycle’s deeply divided Congress, especially given the narrow majority held by Republicans in the House.

Credit professionals must consistently learn to advance their careers, whether through on-the-job training and experience or formal education, supported by their company’s assistance. By earning designations through NACM’s Professional Certification Program, credit professionals can learn and enhance their skillset in various aspects of B2B credit.

NACM’s Professional Certification Program is geared toward all credit professionals—no matter where they are in their career. Whether just learning the ropes or a seasoned credit manager, refreshing your mind is always an option.

The outlook for Asia and the Pacific in 2024 has brightened: we now expect that the region’s economy will slow less than we previously projected as inflation pressures continue to dissipate.

🤖Understanding the impact of ChatGPT in the credit profession is essential as it can reshape business operations and risk management.

NACM’s April Credit Managers’ Index (CMI) fell back to where it started in 2024 with a 3.1-point drop. Why it matters: Now sitting at 51.8, the Survey erased the major gains made in February and March.

A credit report is a statement that includes all credit activity, both current and past, including payment history, credit limits and debt. Credit reports help credit managers uncover a customer’s risk level and likelihood of getting paid on time.

Credit managers have difficult conversations every day—whether that’s collection calls with customers, disagreements with sales or reporting to senior management. Why it matters: While most of us would prefer to sidestep conflict, for dynamic leaders in the workplace, this isn’t an option.