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The business lending environment is tough right now — especially for people of color

Jan 15, 2024
The Biden administration has tried to make it easier for business owners to get loans. But high interest rates are a challenge.
Nicole Davis, who owns an accounting firm, said her Black business clients typically have a harder time qualifying for loans, often because they lack generational wealth.
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America needs more houses, but homebuilders are hobbled by high interest rates

Oct 18, 2023
The number of completed homes rose last month. But further up the housing pipeline, homebuilders are starting fewer projects right now.
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With higher interest rates, small businesses and lenders proceed with caution

Oct 10, 2023
Only a quarter of small businesses say they're getting the credit they need, according to the National Federation of Independent Business.
Some banks have been more cautious about lending to certain sectors of the economy that aren’t doing so well. That includes commercial real estate.
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The price of copper is an economic indicator, and right now, it's falling

May 25, 2023
The problem? Too little demand, too much supply. Rising interest rates are also contributing to weaker demand around the world.
Over the past six weeks or so, the price of copper has fallen more than 10%, indicating a slowdown for the economy.
Denis Charlet/AFP via Getty Images

New cars have been a seller's market, but that's changing

Apr 13, 2023
In March, the average new car sold for $171 below asking price, according to Kelley Blue Book. But that's still higher than before COVID.
A year ago, the average new-car buyer was paying close to $1,000 over sticker price. But with the semiconductor chip shortage easing, some automakers are ramping up production, says Rebecca Rydzewski of Cox Automotive.
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Why CDs are music to banks' ears right now

Mar 27, 2023
Certificates of Deposit help banks bring in cash that they can use to make money by lending it at higher rates. Depositors may be looking to CDs as interest rates rise.
According to the Federal Reserve, the amount invested in large CDs — specifically, with accounts holding $100,000 or more — has gone up nearly 44% in the past year.
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