Unwrap Your Potential with Catalyst’s 2025 Training
Dec 16 2024

Catalyst’s 2025 training schedule is here – a year full of knowledge and growth…our gift to you! With these complimentary, industry-specific educational opportunities, you’ll be ready to "sleigh" the new year.

Expectation vs. Reality
Dec 13 2024

When it comes to measuring inflation, or any economic data for that matter, the expectation tends to be more important than reality. If the data is in line with what analysts expect, the real number – no matter how good or bad – loses its impact. This was the initial reaction in the case of November's inflation reports. Both the consumer and wholesale price indices came close to expectations but...

By: Sarina Freeland
Job Market Just Right
Dec 06 2024

The addition of 227,000 jobs in November was a welcome relief after the unusually low, albeit upwardly revised, gain of 36,000 jobs in October. The three-month average of job additions amounts to 173,000 per month, a respectable pace for a sustainable labor market and strong enough for the Fed to feel more at ease with the labor market.

By: Sarina Freeland
December Market Overview & Data Report
Dec 06 2024

The monthly Market Overview & Data Report is a comprehensive summary of December’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.

All About Rates
Nov 22 2024

It is becoming very clear that the housing market is all about interest rates. Existing home sales rose 3.4% in October, the first increase in two months. Sales are based on contract closings signed in September when mortgage rates had fallen to the lowest level in almost two years. 

By: Sarina Freeland
Catalyst Vision - November 2024
Nov 19 2024

In this month's Catalyst Vision – your go-to monthly publication for Catalyst news, educational articles and updates on important topics . . .Two Roads to Loan Participation: Direct Placement or Automated Platform | YP Crashers Reflect on Their Experience at Strategic Summit | Credit Unions Maintain Strong Earnings Amid Slower Loan Growth | The Instant Payment Landscape Today - a Review of Summit 2024 | Stop Check Fraud in its Tracks with OrboGraph's Don Samuels

YP Crashers Reflect on Their Experience at Strategic Summit
Nov 19 2024

To support growth and career development, Catalyst welcomed six young professionals (YPs) to join this year's Strategic Summit as “crashers.” Following Summit, Catalyst asked the crashers to share their conference takeaways.

By: Strategic Summit 2024 YP Crashers
Credit Unions Maintain Strong Earnings Amid Slower Loan Growth
Nov 18 2024

Credit union earnings have remained strong this year even though loan growth has slowed according to Steven Houle. Houle spoke to an audience of credit union leaders and board members at Catalyst’s Strategic Summit and emphasized that credit unions should recognize their strong performance despite other contributing factors.

Stop Check Fraud in its Tracks with OrboGraph’s Don Samuels
Nov 18 2024

Don Samuels, Senior Sales and Business Development Executive at OrboGraph, shed light on the state of check fraud and emphasized the importance of having fraud prevention strategies this October at Catalyst’s Strategic Summit.

The Instant Payment Landscape Today – a Review of Summit 2024
Nov 18 2024

Instant payments took center stage at the 2024 Catalyst Strategic Summit, and for good reason…the shift to immediate payment options through the FedNow® Service is quickly and dramatically remaking what payments look like for financial institutions across the country.