Insights from Catalyst

In late August, a new update to FOMC policy framework was introduced which included a major shift in strategy for potential rate hikes. In an effort to provide further clarity, the FOMC issued explicit guidance, reinstating its commitment to leaving rates unchanged until the new set of economic parameters is met. Here's a closer look at the new criteria.

As the COVID-19 pandemic stretches on, we are slowly getting used to our “new normal” and the description of this chapter in history as “unprecedented.” While this year has indeed been unlike any other, an important new economic “truth” has also emerged from the ongoing global health crisis – one credit unions can’t ignore.

Not surprisingly, the pandemic has left its mark on the credit union industry. In short, credit unions have experienced a swift increase in assets in 2020 as members continue to grow their savings. As is the case with any recession, consumers generally look to save during uncertain times.

At its October 15, 2020 meeting, the NCUA Board proposed a new derivative rule that greatly eases the prescriptive nature of the previous rule and credit unions’ burden for gaining authority.

As in professional weightlifting, a good barbell strategy may offer considerable advantages for credit union investment portfolios. The barbell is an investment strategy for fixed-income portfolios in which half the portfolio consists of long-term bonds and the other half is short-term bonds. It’s called a “barbell” because it’s heavily weighted with bonds at both ends of the maturity timeline.