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One way to make banks safer? Make them "narrower."

May 12, 2023
Limiting riskier, illiquid investment could make banks and the financial system more stable — but the Federal Reserve isn’t so sure.
A narrow bank could just lock your money away in a vault behind the tellers or park it in a liquid investment. But those options aren't very profitable.
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Banks are borrowing less from the Federal Reserve

Apr 14, 2023
That's good news, but banks are still borrowing a lot more from the Fed than they typically do.
New central bank data shows that banks borrowed about $9 billion less from the Fed in the week ending April 12, according to Krishna Guha, vice chair of Evercore ISI.
Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Like other banks before it, Wells Fargo pulls back from mortgage biz

Jan 11, 2023
It used to be the top mortgage lender in the country.
Wells Fargo used to be the top mortgage lender in the country. Now it's retreating from the business as nonbank lenders gain market share.
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

Schools' creditworthiness could be challenged by new costs, report says

Jun 16, 2022
Teachers demanding higher pay is one example of new costs. That could make it harder for schools to borrow money, a new report says.
For large investments, schools can turn to the debt markets to raise money. But they're also facing rising costs, which could hurt their ability to borrow.
Jon Cherry/Getty Images

How the war in Ukraine is affecting debt troubles for developing countries

Apr 25, 2022
Developing nations see worsening debt challenges due to the war in Ukraine.
Above, a fruit vendor waits for customers in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Higher import prices for foods are putting pressure on the currencies of developing countries, including Sri Lanka.
Ishara S. Kodikara/AFP via Getty Images

Commercial lending could rebound this year

Jan 14, 2022
Business lending has been sluggish throughout the pandemic. But there are signs that commercial lending is starting to pick up again.
Some businesses are currently taking advantage of low interest rates for loans.
Justin Sullivan via Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

Some banks are lending less in an uncertain economy

Jan 21, 2021
Many businesses are nervous about borrowing right now. And banks aren't earning much on the loans they are making.
The lending decline for some banks comes despite the fact that interest rates are at near-record lows.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

Fed pandemic lending programs a sticking point in COVID relief talks

Dec 18, 2020
Some Senate Republicans want a new COVID relief bill to prohibit the Fed from restarting pandemic lending programs.
The Fed programs include Main Street business loans and purchases of corporate and municipal bonds. Pictured: Fed Chair Jerome Powell at a House committee hearing on Dec. 2, 2020.
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Why big banks are reporting better-than-expected earnings during the pandemic downturn

Oct 14, 2020
Quarterly earnings for big banks like Citigroup and JPMorgan Chase are beating expectations thanks to a soaring stock market.
Citigroup's net income of $3.2 billion, or $1.40 per share, topped analyst expectations for the third quarter.
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