CUNA released Friday the July 2019 edition of the Economic Update, sponsored by the CUNA Finance Council. Senior Policy Analyst Samira Salem reports on recent U.S. economic growth developments, most notably a forecasted slowdown in economic growth spurred by the waning effects of the tax cuts, uncertainty around trade policy, and slowing global growth and the expectation that the Federal Reserve will cut the fed funds rate in the near term.

This month’s update also features CUNA’s updated economic and credit union forecast and new research from CUNA in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin’s Applied Population Lab on why credit union branch location matters, especially for those of modest means.   

“Our research reveals that, community-chartered credit unions locate a higher percentage of branches in modest means (71% vs. 66%) and low-income (6% vs. 5%) census tracts compared to banks. Credit unions are doing their part to reduce obstacles to financial inclusion, especially for those of modest means and low-income members,” Salem said.  

The July video also features:  

• Economic growth forecast for 2019 and 2020
• Discussion of the Federal Reserve’s expected fed funds rate cut
• Credit union membership growth forecast for 2019 and 2020
• Earnings and ROA expectancy for 2019 and 2020

The July 2019 CUNA Economic update is complimentary for all CUNA members. To watch the video and other past updates, visit cuna.org/economicupdate.