eNews Archive

Credit managers are no strangers to change, with economies always fluctuating and markets changing at the drop of a hat. When it comes to the value of the U.S. Dollar, fluctuation can be more complex and create complications in international trade, leaving credit managers at odds with their customers overseas. 

Credit professionals are often focused on supporting others—customers, colleagues and businesses—but they can sometimes forget to take time to care for themselves. In today’s shaky economy, many are facing growing challenges, which can lead to stress and a need for self-care.  

This past Friday, President Trump released his 2026 budget outline, proposing the largest cuts to non-defense spending in decades and zeroing out dozens of programs across the federal government. In line with much of what the President has already done in his first 100 days, the cuts are deep enough to alarm not just Democrats, but moderate Republicans as well, and time will tell if the proposal will get any real consideration by Congress.

NACM’s seasonally adjusted combined Credit Managers’ Index (CMI) for April 2025 improved 0.7 points to 54.0. “The Credit Managers’ Index improvement currently reflects accelerated business activity ahead of new tariffs,” said NACM Economist Amy Crews Cutts, Ph.D., CBE.

Lien rights are the backbone of any risk mitigation strategy in the construction credit field. There is a lot to consider when filing a mechanic’s lien, and it can be a bit of added stress for credit managers still getting their footing in the industry. However, it is a crucial step in protecting your interest and mitigating risk during construction projects. 

Tariffs have long been a tool of international trade policy, used by countries to influence economic relationships and protect domestic industries. However, they can also result in higher prices for consumers and provoke retaliation from other nations—actions that may weaken exports and slow economic growth. When countries impose tariffs or other trade barriers on one another, it can escalate into what is known as a trade war.  

As challenging economic conditions plague all areas of the market, the agricultural industry appears to be consistently slumping as it endures a multi-year trough, testing the patience of credit managers across the industry.  

Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) is the most frequently reviewed key performance indicator (KPI) by upper management, representing the average number of days it takes a company to convert its accounts receivable (AR) into cash.