Economy Archive

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…

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. “After two months of improvement, the CMI has fallen back to near where it started the year, in expansion but weakly so,” said NACM Economist Amy Crews Cutts, Ph.D., CBE.

The tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge last week—claiming the lives of six construction workers—has residents in the Baltimore area in shock.

NACM’s March Credit Managers’ Index (CMI) improved to its highest reading since 2023 with a jump of 2.5 points. Why it matters: Now sitting at 54.9, the Survey indicates some relief for the business economy. “The CMI seems to be picking up some steam, with a second month of improvement and a breakout of the tight band in which it had been for eight months,” said NACM Economist Amy Crews Cutts, Ph.D., CBE.

The U.S. economy kicked off 2024 powerfully. Business activity, labor markets, sentiment and inflation indicators have been trending favorably. Yet, we must stay vigilant as rising consumer debt and high interest rates threaten to slow down economic growth.