News & Insights
The week began with market reactions to the announcement that the Supreme Court had struck down President Trump’s sweeping 2025 tariff policies. The Court ruled in a 6-3 decision that Trump had exceeded his authority in imposing emergency import taxes.
The shortened week left much to be desired in the way of market activity. Maybe that’s a good thing considering recent volatility. Equities and bond yields traded within a reasonable range this week. Markets were primarily focused on the Fed meeting minutes from January, as well as a pair of economic releases from this morning.
Based on the high concentration of swaps, this article will explore what a swap is and how it helps manage the fair value change of a fixed-rate mortgage loan portfolio.
6 Key Benefits of an Online Bond Trading Platform | The FedNow Service Reaches a New Milestone: Federal Agency Disbursements Go Instant | How Credit Unions are Using Swaps to Manage Mortgage Portfolio Risk | Smarter Payments Start Here: Inside Catalyst’s Dynamic Digital Payments Platform | Drive Value with Catalyst Subordinated Debt
In today’s fast moving financial environment, credit unions are expected to make smart, timely investment decisions that support the balance sheet and ultimately strengthen member service. Yet many traditional trading processes can slow teams down – requiring manual research, using scattered data sources and managing workflows that aren’t built with busy credit unions in mind. That’s why more credit unions are turning to online bond trading platforms.
The monthly Market Overview & Data Report is a comprehensive summary of February's key economic and market metrics that are fundamental to credit union financial management. The report not only summarizes key economic and market data, but also explains how these metrics are relevant to credit unions. It further includes industry peer performance data and assessment, relative value evaluation, and an upcoming economic calendar. It is also an excellent report to include in credit union board and ALCO packets.
The U.S. Treasury’s Bureau of the Fiscal Service added FedNow as an instant payment option for certain federal agency disbursements through its Digital Pay program, with the first payments sent in early September.
The week began with another government shutdown, albeit shorter and less severe than October’s. The Senate passed five of the six remaining measures to fund the government.
Entering 2026, inflation has continued to moderate from its post pandemic peak, though it remains above the Federal Reserve’s long run 2% target. Over the past year, price pressures have eased unevenly: goods inflation largely normalized, while services inflation, particularly healthcare and insurance, remains sticky.
With more than 98% of expected call report filings submitted, this update provides a first look at the year-end trends across the credit union industry.