Why today’s GSE MBS buying is moving mortgage rates – but isn’t a return to 2021
Jan 30 2026

Mortgage rates recently dipped close to 6%, a meaningful psychological and economic threshold for both borrowers and lenders. That move has been closely tied to the GSEs’ announcement of roughly $200 billion in mortgage-backed securities purchases, which helped tighten MBS spreads and pull conventional mortgage rates lower. While that development has sparked comparisons to the Federal Reserve’s MBS buying during the pandemic, today’s environment and its implications for credit unions, looks very different.

By: Chris Folse
Trump Nominates Kevin Warsh to Lead Fed
Jan 30 2026

In a post on Truth Social, President Trump announced he will nominate Kevin Warsh to succeed Jerome Powell as the Chair of the Federal Reserve.

By: John Kirby
Worst Cross-Asset Selloff Since Liberation Day
Jan 23 2026

The week began with the worst cross-asset selloff since Liberation Day in April 2025, the day President Trump announced his global tariff policy. Investor anxiety was triggered by Trump’s push to take control of Greenland, a NATO ally, after he threatened tariffs against other NATO nations.

By: John Kirby
Catalyst Vision - January 2026
Jan 21 2026

Summit is Back - Bigger and Bolder: Register Today | Subordinated Debt 101 for Credit Union: Structure, Terms and What Makes It Different | Rethinking Digital Payments: Why Credit Unions Need a Unified, Multi-Rail Strategy | Catalyst’s Asset Management Team Delivers Exceptional Service According to Survey | Catalyst Launches New Innovative Bond Trading Platform for Credit Unions

Summit is Back - Bigger and Bolder: Register Today
Jan 20 2026

Catalyst Strategic Summit 2026 is returning to the stunning Lost Pines Resort & Spa near Austin, Texas for three days, September 22-24. Get ready to be inspired, energized and educated as we bring together credit union leaders from across the country with some of the best speakers from within and outside the industry.  

Subordinated Debt 101 for Credit Unions: Structure, Terms and What Makes It Different
Jan 20 2026

Subordinated debt is an unsecured borrowing instrument that can qualify. Catalyst's Mark DeBree notes, its ability to receive net worth treatment making it a valuable capital tool for credit unions.

By: Mark DeBree, CFA
DOJ Moves Against The Fed
Jan 16 2026

The week began with news that the Justice Department had served the U.S. Central Bank with grand jury subpoenas alleging fraud related to the recent renovations at the Fed’s Washington, D.C. headquarters, threatening the possibility of a criminal indictment.

By: John Kirby
Rethinking Digital Payments: Why Credit Unions Need a Unified, Multi-Rail Strategy
Jan 16 2026

Member expectations have shifted. Money now moves in seconds, not days. Payments happen across apps, devices and a plethora of digital channels, often outside your credit union’s ecosystem. Modernizing payments isn’t optional anymore. It’s a strategic priority.

By: Mark Keeling
Catalyst’s Asset Management Team Delivers Exceptional Service According to Latest User Survey
Jan 16 2026

Catalyst conducts a yearly satisfaction survey across our Asset Management service clients to understand how their needs are being met and how well our advisors are performing relative to expectations. The 2025 survey, which took place in early December, proved that...

January 26' Market Overview & Data Report
Jan 09 2026

The monthly Market Overview & Data Report is a comprehensive summary of January'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.