Research

Federal Reserve: Board Issues Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2025 Report

The Federal Reserve Board on Wednesday issued its Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2025 report, which examines the financial circumstances of U.S. adults and their families. Overall, the report shows that financial well-being was consistent with recent years. Survey results indicate that the labor market remained solid, despite some softening since the previous year’s survey. Price…

HUD and Census Bureau: New Residential Sales Report for March 2026 Released

The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development jointly announced the following new residential sales statistics for March 2026: New Home SalesSales of new single-family houses in March 2026 were at a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 682,000, according to estimates released jointly today by the U.S. Census Bureau and the…

OCC: Semiannual Risk Perspective Highlights Key Risks in Federal Banking System

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) today reported the key issues facing the federal banking system in the Semiannual Risk Perspective for Spring 2026. Bank earnings improved in 2025, supported by loan growth and a decline in funding costs. Balance sheets remain strong and credit risk within the federal banking system remains manageable. Earnings…

FEMA: Review Council Releases Final Report

The president’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Review Council today released its final report, marking a major milestone in the administration’s ongoing efforts to strengthen FEMA’s mission, operations and accountability. The council, established by President Trump, conducted a thorough review of FEMA’s capabilities, challenges and opportunities for reform. “Under President Trump’s leadership, FEMA is committed to getting resources…

ABA: Farm Banks Remain Key Source of Credit for America’s Farmers and Rural Communities

Farm banks continued to play a central role in financing U.S. agriculture in 2025, accounting for more than one-third of all farm lending nationwide while maintaining solid capital, profitability and employment levels, according to ABA’s 2025 Farm Bank Performance Report. Banks held nearly $212 billion in farm loans at the end of 2025, representing 35.7% of total…

HUD: Task Force Publishes Report on Eradicating “Anti-Christian Bias”and Restoring Religious Liberty

Report details the Biden administration’s radical efforts to punish Christians and highlights President Trump’s efforts to restore religious liberty Today, the Task Force to Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias published a report detailing how the Biden administration’s policies spread anti-Christian bias throughout the federal government. The Department of Housing and Urban Development worked closely with the Department of Justice…

ICBA: New Polling Shows Public Support for Community Bank Policy Priorities

The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today is kicking off the 2026 ICBA Capital Summit in Washington with the release of new polling data showing Americans support community banker views on the pressing issues attendees will be discussing with policymakers. “As community bankers hold in-person meetings with their members of Congress this week, new…

ICBA: New Polling Shows Dominant Support for Community Banks Amid Debate Over Digital Assets

With community bankers gathering in Washington this week for the Independent Community Bankers of America’s 2026 ICBA Capital Summit, new polling data show that Americans support community banks and want to ensure the industry is not harmed in the current debate over digital assets policy. “As community bankers representing local communities nationwide gather in Washington…

FHFA: House Price Index Unchanged in February 2026; Up 1.7 Percent from Last Year

U.S. house prices were unchanged in February, according to the U.S. Federal Housing (FHFA) seasonally adjusted monthly House Price Index (FHFA HPI®). House prices rose 1.7 percent from February 2025 to February 2026. The previously reported 0.1 percent price change in January was revised upward to 0.2 percent.  For the nine census divisions, seasonally adjusted monthly home…

Treasury: Form 990 Transparency Initiative Announced to Expose Hidden Funding and Strengthen Oversight

The U.S. Department of the Treasury today announced that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) plans to revise the Form 990 to improve transparency, strengthen tax administration, and provide clearer reporting on certain activities of tax-exempt organizations described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, including government contracts, government grants, and fiscal sponsorship arrangements. The…