Economic Optimism Fuels 2018 Middle Market M&A Scene

Interest among middle market companies in both buying and selling has increased significantly in the past year, according to the seventh annual Citizens Commercial Banking Middle Market M&A Outlook.

January 23, 2018 Citizens Bank | Citizens Commercial Banking Middle Market M&A Outlook | M&A | middle-market ABF Journal

Conference Board: Future Business Conditions Remain High

According to a Conference Board Survey, expectations for future business conditions remain relatively high, despite drop in consumer confidence.

December 28, 2017 Conference Report | Consumer Confidence Amanda Koprowski

Real U.S. GDP Up 3.3% in Q3/17

Real gross domestic product increased at an annual rate of 3.3% in Q3/17 according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

December 26, 2017 BEA | Bureau of Economic Analysis | GDP Amanda Koprowski

BofA: Small Businesses Optimistic as Confidence Surges

According to a Bank of America survey, small business owners are optimistic their year-end revenue will surpass 2016 as confidence in the economy has surged on expectation that economy will improve in the year ahead.

November 9, 2017 Bank of America | economy | Small Business Survey Rita Garwood

Lack of C&I Loan Growth Signaling Recession Ahead

According to commentary that appeared in the Lombardi Letter, an economic recession is likely should meaningful C&I lending continue to be stalled.

June 22, 2017 The Lombardi Letter ABF Journal

Fed Raises Rates for the Second Time in 2017

The Federal Reserve raised the federal funds rate to a target range of 1% to 1.25%, marking the second increase in the rate in the last three months.

June 15, 2017 Federal Reserve ABF Journal

Economic Uncertainty Takes Toll on Regional Banks

Reuters reported that the recent decline of U.S. bank stocks has been particularly unkind to regional banks, and that’s not likely to change soon as hopes dim for higher long-term interest rates and timely policy relief from Washington.

June 12, 2017 economy | regional banks ABF Journal

SunTrust Survey: High Expectations for Healthcare and Tax Reform

According to the annual Business Pulse Survey by SunTrust Banks, nearly two-thirds of business leaders expect the global and U.S. economy to improve through 2017. Leaders have high expectations for healthcare and tax reform to spur growth.

March 23, 2017 SunTrust ABF Journal

WSJ: Manufacturing Renaissance at Risk Due to Strengthening Dollar

The Wall Street Journal reported that the rising dollar is thwarting the plans of U.S. manufacturers that export goods.

December 27, 2016 manufacturing ABF Journal

Federal Reserve Raises Benchmark Rate

In light of strong job growth and increased economic activity, the Federal Open Market Committee voted to raise the target range for federal funds rate a quarter of a percentage point with three more increases planned for 2017.

December 15, 2016 Federal Reserve ABF Journal