Research

CFPB: Updated COVID-19 Consumer Complaint Data Released

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Bureau) today issued an updated Complaint Bulletin, analyzing the more than 8,000 complaints it received from January through May 2020 that mention coronavirus or related terms (“coronavirus keywords”). The bulletin shows that mortgage (19 percent), credit card (18 percent), and credit or consumer reporting (18 percent) complaints top the list…

Census Bureau: Household Pulse Survey Weekly Data Released

The Census Bureau today released new data from the experimental Household Pulse Survey. The Household Pulse Survey is the result of an effort by the Census Bureau and other federal statistical agencies to document temporal trends in how individuals are experiencing business curtailment and closures, stay-at-home orders, school closures, changes in the availability of consumer goods…

CFPB: New Online Tool Released to Help College Students Determine How to Pay for College

To help students navigate paying for college, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Bureau) today released the “Your Financial Path to Graduation” web tool designed to help students clearly understand the total cost of attending college and make informed decisions about paying for their education. “Your Financial Path to Graduation” helps students turn financial aid offers…

CFPB: New Study Shows Credit Builder Loan Could Help Consumers Build Credit

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Bureau) today released a report indicating that a credit builder loan could increase the likelihood of establishing a credit record for consumers without one, and could help improve the credit scores of those with no current outstanding debt. The Bureau issued “Targeting Credit Builder Loans: Insights from a Credit Builder…

CFPB: New “Making Ends Meet” Survey Results Released

The Bureau released the first results from the Making Ends Meet survey today. The results provide a deeper understanding of how often U.S. consumers have difficulty making ends meet and how they cope with financial shortfalls. Key results from the survey Among survey respondents, 52 percent reported they could cover expenses for two months or…

CFPB: Report on Debt Settlements and Credit Counseling Released

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Bureau) released a report today examining recent trends in debt settlement and credit counseling. Many Americans struggle with their debts, especially during times of crisis. Today’s report documents changes over time in how consumers have used these debt relief options for unsecured debt. Using the Bureau’s Consumer Credit Panel (CCP),…

Census Bureau: Weekly Household Pulse Survey Data Released

 The Census Bureau today released new data from the experimental Household Pulse Survey. The Household Pulse Survey is the result of an effort by the Census Bureau and other federal statistical agencies to document temporal trends in how individuals are experiencing business curtailment and closures, stay-at-home orders, school closures, changes in the availability of consumer goods…

Census Bureau: 2018 County Business Patterns Now Available

The U.S. Census Bureau today released the 2018 County Business Patterns (CBP). This annual series of statistics provides subnational economic data by industry. These data show detailed annual information on the number of establishments, employment during the week of March 12, and first quarter and annual payroll at the national, state, metropolitan area, combined statistical area, and…

Census Bureau: Weekly Data on Household Pulse Survey Released

The Census Bureau today released new data from the experimental Household Pulse Survey. The Household Pulse Survey is the result of an effort by the Census Bureau and other federal statistical agencies to document temporal trends in how individuals are experiencing business curtailment and closures, stay-at-home orders, school closures, changes in the availability of consumer goods…

FFIEC: Availability of 2019 HMDA Data on Mortgage Lending Announced

The Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) today announced the availability of data on 2019 mortgage lending transactions at 5,508 U.S. financial institutions covered by the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA). Covered institutions include banks, savings associations, credit unions, and mortgage companies. The HMDA data are the most comprehensive publicly available information on mortgage market…