Economy Archive

In the four years since Congress amended the bankruptcy code to assist small business reorganizations, credit managers still have mixed opinions on the success of these filings.  

NACM’s Credit Managers’ Index (CMI) has been hovering near non-recession lows for more than a year. In August, the CMI gained 1.2 points to 53.5 despite economic hardship.

NACM’s Credit Managers’ Index (CMI) deteriorated 1.6 points to 52.3 in July, suggesting growing economic risk. “The CMI is back to near non-recession lows,” said NACM Economist Amy Crews Cutts, Ph.D., CBE.

Though the U.S. economy has seemingly survived a worst-case scenario recession (for now), debt is rising as a rapid rate for consumers, businesses and the U.S. government.

Inflation levels remain above the Federal Reserve’s target rate of 2%. The latest figures show U.S. inflation sitting at 3.36%, but business and consumer sentiment would suggest that prices are much higher. After falling for much of last year, inflation accelerated again at the start of 2024, reducing the likelihood of early rate cuts. The Fed’s next interest-rate meeting is set for June 11, and the overwhelming consensus of economists is that there will be no rate cuts from the current level of 5.25% to 5.5%. Why it matters: Interest rates determine the cost of borrowing and the abil…

Credit holds temporarily suspend or reduce credit limits for customers who miss payments or exceed their credit limit. Why it matters: Although often used as a last resort, implementing credit holds is necessary as it aids in mitigating risk, ensuring financial stability and maintaining positive customer relationships.

In an era where digital transactions reign supreme, customer payment portals have emerged as a convenient and efficient way for businesses to manage receivables and streamline payment processes. However, while the benefits of customer payment portals are undeniable, their implementation and maintenance come with their own set of costs and considerations for credit departments. Why it matters: Customer payment portals are here to stay, so credit departments must create a strategy to best approach each portal. Some credit managers approach payment portals by assigning one credit mana…

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%. Why it matters: Credit professionals should closely monitor these inflation trends to anticipate potential impacts on their credit portfolios and adjust risk management strategies accordingly. A February Consumer Food Insights Report showed U.S. consumers pr…