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☆ Wells Fargo Beats Expectations but Sets Aside Money for Loan Losses
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-14 | by ( Stacy Cowley | More About Stacy Cowley | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Why It MattersWells Fargo is one of the nation’s largest mortgage lenders, and analysts watch its results for signs of economic stress. The bank’s soured loans in its commercial business grew, but its consumer business held fairly steady, with a slight rise in credit-card defaults offset by a drop in losses on auto loans. Commercial real estate, especially loans on office space, are a pain point, and the bank set aside nearly $1 billion more for losses. Commercial deposits have stabilized, while on the consumer side, “what’s driving the decline is, largely, people spending their money,” said Michael P. Santomassimo, the bank’s chief financial officer. What’s NextLike the other big banks, Wells Fargo keeps bracing for a recession — but not seeing one just yet.

Persons: Wells, “, ”, Charles W, Scharf, what’s, Michael P, Santomassimo, Mr, Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs Organizations: Federal Reserve, Bank of America Locations: U.S, Wells, “

☆ Mortgage rates are going up again but home prices aren’t coming down: Why the housing market is out of whack
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-08 | by ( Elisabeth Buchwald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

But after 10 rate hikes, the housing market — traditionally one of the most interest-rate-sensitive areas of the economy — is anything but predictable. Mortgage rates then continued to climb in tandem with the Fed’s hikes until November, when mortgage rates peaked at 7.08%, despite four subsequent rate hikes since then. Higher mortgage rates have reduced home inventoryIn theory, when mortgage rates go up, home prices should fall since it raises the cost of homeownership, thereby reducing demand. That’s partly because the higher mortgage rates that came after the Fed hiked rates created a major lock-in effect, said Kiefer. “That tells the crux of the story for why the housing market seems a bit odd right now,” Divounguy said.

Persons: ”, Orphe Divounguy, Banks, Freddie Mac, Charles Dougherty, Dougherty, “, Len Kiefer, ” Kiefer, Kiefer, Divounguy, Zillow’s Divounguy, ” Divounguy Organizations: New, New York CNN, Federal Reserve, Zillow, Fed, National Association of Realtors, “, CNN, homebuying Locations: New York, That’s, Wells Fargo, Realtor.com

☆ Many Americans fear a recession as severe as 2008 could be coming. Here’s what experts say
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-07 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

To that point, 68% are expecting a recession in the next six months, and 80% of those respondents expect it to be severe. Experts weigh in3 reasons it can be smarter to rent, even if you can buy Yet, predictions from various experts are not as dire. watch nowAt Raymond James, the current forecast calls for a "very, very mild" recession, according to chief economist Eugenio Aleman. Raymond James is predicting a 1.3% growth rate for 2023 and 0.6% for 2024 — which coincides with the firm's forecast for a "very, very mild recession," Aleman said. To cope with high inflation, Nationwide's survey found more than half of respondents are eating out less, with 54%.

Persons: Jamie Grill, We're, Kathy Bostjancic, it's, Raymond James, Eugenio Aleman, Aleman, Nonfarm, —, Gray, Tang Ming Tung, Bostjancic Organizations: Finance, Nationwide, U.S . Department of Labor, ADP, Employers, Challenger, Federal Reserve, Getty, Auto Locations: U.S, American

☆ What Ford's buoyant quarterly sales reveal about progress toward its ambitious EV goals
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-06 | by ( Paulina Likos | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Electric vehicle sales fell 2.8% to 14,843 in the second quarter. It's worth noting that Ford EV sales are up 11.9% year to date, and total sales of more than 1 million vehicles in 2023 rose 10%. Despite solid quarterly sales, shares of Ford dropped more than 2.5% to just under $15 each. General Motors (GM) on Wednesday said total second-quarter U.S. auto sales increased by nearly 19% to 691,978. However, GM's electric vehicle sales in Q2 dropped 32% to 15,652.

Persons: Ford, it's, Tesla, Jim Farley, Jim Cramer's, Jim Cramer, Jim, Christopher Furlong Organizations: Ford, General Motors, Monday, EV, Federal, Energy Department, CNBC, Getty Locations: U.S, Canada, EVs, Halewood, England

☆ G.M.’s Sales Jumped 19% in the Second Quarter
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-05 | by ( Neal E. Boudette | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

General Motors said on Wednesday that its new-vehicle sales in the United States increased 19 percent from April to June, the strongest sign yet that the auto industry was bouncing back from parts shortages and overcoming the effects of higher interest rates. The automaker, the largest in the United States, said it sold 691,978 vehicles in the second quarter, the company’s highest quarterly total in more than two years. More recently, rising interest rates have made auto loans more expensive, causing some consumers to defer purchases or opt for used vehicles. “I’m not saying we are on the cusp of exciting growth here,” said Jonathan Smoke, chief economist at Cox Automotive, a research firm. “But we are now at a turning point where the auto market returns to more balance.

Persons: Motors, shutdowns, I’m, ”, Jonathan Smoke Organizations: Cox Automotive Locations: United States

The Education Department last week said loan payments would resume in October. Reuters GraphicsA White House source said Biden plans to announce new actions on Friday to protect student loan borrowers in the wake of the ruling. Another challenge to at least some of those who face student loan repayment: Managing new debt taken on when student loan payments were off the table. The New York Fed found the debt payment holiday boosted credit scores of student loan borrowers, opening the door to take on other debt. Delinquency rates on student loans plummeted from roughly 10% before the payment holiday to below 1% at the end of the first quarter of this year.

Persons: Joe Biden's, Biden, Thomas Simons, Simons, Morgan Stanley, forbearance, Michael S, Dan Burns, Andrea Ricci Organizations: U.S, Biden, White, Republicans, Department, New York Fed, Reuters, Federal Reserve, Jefferies, York Fed, New, University of Chicago, Derby, Thomson Locations: U.S, New York

☆ Here's the No. 1 number to calculate if you want to be rich, says millionaire—'very few people' know it
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-28 | by ( Dominique Broadway | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

But at the very least, there's one number you need to calculate: your bottom line number, or your income minus your expenses. It sounds simple, but as a financial consultant and self-made first-generation multimillionaire, I'm often surprised by how very few people can tell me their bottom line number off the top of their head. You don't need an elaborate Microsoft Excel spreadsheet to do this — just a notebook, pencil, and your bank accounts in front of you. Many of us have expenses that we don't even realize we're paying for, or amounts we didn't know were so high. Here's an example from one of my community members, Jacqueline, whose bottom line number is $243:Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwards Source: Dominique BroadwayWhat your bottom line tells you

Persons: I'm, Jacqueline, Dominique Broadway Organizations: Cable, Auto, Entertainment

☆ It actually makes sense to lease a car, despite what your parents may have said
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-28 | by ( Nora Naughton | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Stretching loan payment periods can be a dangerous game, especially since vehicles depreciate in value so consistently. When you lease a car, you're only taking out an auto loan to cover the duration of your lease period, which can cut the size of your loan considerably. Bumper-to-bumper coverageLeasing a car, much like renting an apartment, means that you're not financially responsible for many of the repairs necessary to keep the car running while you're leasing. If you're shopping for a used car, consider checking on leasing deals to see if you can manage a similar monthly payment for a leased new car as you would for a loan on a used car. A few warningsThere are a few things to keep in mind before you decide to lease a car.

Persons: that's, – Organizations: Morning, Leasing

☆ How many credit cards should you have? The answer isn’t zero, say experts
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-24 | by ( Greg Iacurci | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Eighty-two percent of American adults had a credit card in 2022, according to the U.S. Federal Reserve. Benefits to having more than one credit cardHowever, there can be drawbacks to having just one credit card. In addition, having a second credit card, or more, can help build a person's credit utilization ratio, said Curtis, founder and CEO of Curtis Financial Planning. Credit utilization is an important determinant in one's credit score and having one that's too high can reduce your score. Having more than one card raises one's overall credit limit, and with responsible use, can reduce one's credit utilization ratio.

Persons: Jose Luis Pelaez, Ted Rossman, Strong, cardholders, Bruce McClary, McClary, Rossman, Cathy Curtis, Curtis, Xavier Lorenzo, Cardholders Organizations: Jose Luis Pelaez Inc, CreditCards.com, Consumer Federation of America, U.S . Federal, National Foundation, Credit, Mastercard, Curtis, Curtis Financial

Our experts answer readers' personal loan questions and write unbiased product reviews (here's how we assess personal loans). Here are the steps to take to get a personal loan:Insider's Featured Personal Loan Companies LightStream Personal LoanMarcus Personal LoanSoFi Personal Loan Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. Fees 4.75/5 A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star Fees 4.25/5 A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star Fees 4/5 A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star Apply now On LightStream's website Apply now On Goldman Sachs' website Apply now On SoFi's website1. Understand the two main types of personal loansThere are two types of personal loans: secured and unsecured. Get your paperwork in orderOne of the most challenging parts of getting a personal loan is the amount of documentation required.

Persons: —, Gabe Krajicek, Krajicek, Priyanka Prakash, Goldman Sachs, it's, Tabitha Mazzara Organizations: Service, Bank of America, Citibank, MBANC Locations: Wells

See Insider's picks for the best personal loans >>Compare Personal Loan RatesHere's how you can get approved for a $20,000 loan from a credit union, bank, or online lender. $20,000 loan offersThere are plenty of personal loan options out there for folks shopping around for a good deal on a $20,000 loan. You can take out a loan as low as $5,000 and as high as $100,000, so a $20,000 loan is more than doable with SoFi. How to get a $20,000 loan FAQsHow much would a $20,000 loan cost per month? The monthly cost of a $20,000 loan can vary greatly based on the annual percentage rate (APR) and the terms of your loan.

Persons: —, It's, You'll, you'll, SoFi, Wells Organizations: Service, Social, National Credit Union Administration, Wells Fargo, Wells, PenFed Credit, Avant, Chevron Locations: Wells Fargo, Massachusetts , Ohio, New Mexico, Georgia

Ramsey asked Travis why he hadn't gotten on a "tight, tight, tight, tight budget" to get his debts down. Ramsey said Travis should meet his basic obligations then throw everything else at his "stupid credit card debt until it's gone." "But you're not going out to eat, and you're not going on vacation," Ramsey said. Ramsey said Travis had to look at his finances like "every dollar has a mission:" necessities or his debt. "You will go, 'Where is all this freaking money going?'"

Persons: Dave Ramsey's, Travis, Ramsey, Benjamin Franklin, hadn't, it's, I've, Ramsey's cohost, John Delony, You've, Delony Locations: Michigan, Grand Rapids , Michigan, American

watch nowWhat the federal funds rate means for youWage growth hasn't been able to keep pace with higher prices for many Americans. Sarah Silbiger | ReutersThe federal funds rate, which is set by the central bank, is the interest rate at which banks borrow and lend to one another overnight. Here's a breakdown of how that affects consumers:Credit cardsSince most credit cards have a variable rate, there's a direct connection to the Fed's benchmark. As the federal funds rate rose, the prime rate did, as well, and credit card rates followed suit. Today's credit card rates are likely as high as they've been in decades.

Persons: Philipson, Sarah Silbiger, that's, Matt Schulz, they're, Freddie Mac, Sam Khater, Freddie Mac's Organizations: Eccles Federal Reserve, Washington , D.C, Reuters, LendingTree, Treasury, Istock, Getty, U.S . Department of Education Locations: Washington ,

☆ Here are analysts' favorite regional banking stocks as sector recovers from its crisis lows
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-11 | by ( Brian Evans | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Investors could have reason to warm up to regional bank stocks. Over the past month, the regional bank fund has added nearly 17%. While the KRE is still well below its crisis-era lows from early May, some regional bank stocks seem to have swayed analysts that the worst is behind them. KRE 1M mountain The regional bank ETF over the past month. While the bank felt the pressure from the broader regional banking crisis, analysts aren't fleeing the stock.

Persons: aren't Organizations: Silicon Valley Bank, Regional Banking, CNBC, JPMorgan, FactSet, National, Western Alliance, WAL, Citizens Financial, Bancorp Locations: Republic

A man on Dave Ramsey's show seven years ago said half his income was going towards his car loan. He is now debt free after following Ramsey's advice, and helps others with their own finances. A man who appeared on Dave Ramsey's show seven years ago said the harsh advice he got helped turn his finances around — and that he's now debt free. Ramsey is an American radio host and evangelical Christian who is known for his financial advice. But Amirfarzaneh, who does not have any part in the lawsuit, said he appreciated Ramsey's advice because it was simple.

Persons: Dave Ramsey's, Faraz Amirfarzaneh, Ramsey, Amirfarzaneh, It's, he's, he'd Organizations: BMW, Toyota Avalon, Avalon, Toyota Locations: —, Los Angeles, American, Texas

☆ The Federal Reserve may pause its interest rate hiking campaign. What that means for you
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-09 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

damircudic | E+ | Getty ImagesCredit card rates top 20%The federal funds rate, which is set by the U.S. central bank, is the interest rate at which banks borrow and lend to one another overnight. For starters, most credit cards come with a variable rate, which has a direct connection to the Fed's benchmark rate. As the federal funds rate rose, the prime rate did, as well, and these rates followed suit. Federal student loans are set to rise to 5.5%Federal student loan rates are also fixed, so most borrowers aren't immediately affected by the Fed's moves. But as of July, undergraduate students who take out new direct federal student loans will see interest rates rise to 5.50% — up from 4.99% in the 2022-23 academic year and 3.73% in 2021-22.

Persons: that's, Bankrate, McBride Organizations: Getty, U.S, Treasury, Auto, U.S . Department of Education

☆ 1 in 5 student loan borrowers at risk of struggling when payments resume, consumer watchdog says
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-09 | by ( Annie Nova | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Yuliya Taba | E+ | Getty ImagesThe Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is warning that roughly 1 in 5 student loan borrowers have financial risk factors that could cause them to struggle when their payments resume in the fall. What to do if Biden's student debt plan is struck downHere's how things go so bad with student loan debt in the U.S. Student loan borrowers are deeper in debtMeanwhile, more than half of student loan borrowers expected to resume their payments have higher monthly debt-related expenses than they did before the pause on bills began (excluding their student debt or mortgage payment), the CFPB writes. While federal student loan payments were suspended, many borrowers probably used their freed-up cash to take on more debt, Kantrowitz said. However, the CFPB's findings show millions of student loan borrowers will resume their payments in a more precarious financial situation.

Persons: Yuliya, Joe Biden, Kentia Elbaum, Justice Barrett, Mark Kantrowitz, Kantrowitz, Persis Yu Organizations: Financial, U.S . Department of Education, Finance, Consumer, Supreme, Student, Protection Locations: U.S, delinquencies

☆ The case for a 2023 US recession is crumbling
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-05 | by ( Matt Egan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

New York CNN —Many CEOs, investors and economists had penciled in 2023 as the year when a recession would hit the American economy. But the case for a 2023 US recession is crumbling for a simple reason: America’s jobs market is way too strong. Zandi is growing more confident that 2023 won’t be the year when a downturn will begin. “We’re running out of time for a 2023 recession,” Justin Wolfers, an economics professor at the University of Michigan, told CNN. Friday’s jobs report did offer some conflicting signals, especially in the household survey, which economists put less weight on because it tends to be noisier.

Persons: Mark Zandi, won’t, ” Zandi, “, Justin Wolfers, “ We’ve, payrolls, Wolfers, They’ve, ” Wolfers, ” Macy’s, Zandi, Joe Brusuelas, Morgan Stanley Organizations: New, New York CNN, Federal Reserve, Moody’s, CNN, University of Michigan, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Bank of America, Challenger, RSM Locations: New York, ”

[1/4] Holly O’Neill, President of Retail Banking at Bank of America speaks during a Newsmaker interview with Reuters in New York City, New York, U.S., May 31, 2023. "The consumer is still very healthy," Holly O'Neill, Bank of America's president of retail banking, said at a Reuters Newsmaker event. U.S. consumer spending increased more than expected in April, boosting the economy's growth prospects for the second quarter. Consumer spending on Bank of America cards fell 1.2 percent in April compared with a year earlier, the first year-on-year decline since February 2021, its data showed. The biggest shot O'Neill took in her career was moving to the consumer bank after serving as chief operating officer of the private-banking division.

Persons: Holly O’Neill, Mike Segar, Holly O'Neill, O'Neill, Erica, Lananh Nguyen, Saeed Azhar, Nupur Anand, Nick Zieminski Organizations: Retail Banking, Bank of America, Reuters, REUTERS, Bank of America Corp, Bank of, JPMorgan Chase &, First, Bank, Thomson Locations: New York City , New York, U.S

LONDON, May 31 (Reuters) - U.S. domestic banks reported a widespread tightening of lending standards by the end of the first quarter of 2023 - even before the full impact of the regional banking crisis had been felt. The net percentage of domestic banks tightening standards for commercial and industrial (C&I) loans to small businesses with annual sales below $50 million hit +47% at the end of the first quarter. The net percentage tightening small business C&I standards has risen to levels usually associated with recession, based on past results from the Senior Loan Officer Opinion Survey on Bank Lending Practices (SLOOS). Banks are likely pre-empting a slowdown in the business cycle and increase in unemployment, widely expected since late 2022, which will increase defaults. As the price of credit increases and its availability becomes more restricted, the slowdown in small business and household spending will act as another headwind for the economy.

Persons: Banks, John Kemp, Sharon Singleton Organizations: Federal Reserve, Senior, Bank Lending, Thomson, Reuters Locations: U.S

☆ Elon Musk predicts a 'ChatGPT moment' for Tesla, warns of banking woes, and expects a tough year ahead. Here are his 15 best quotes this week.
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-18 | by ( Theron Mohamed | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Elon Musk predicts a "ChatGPT moment" for Tesla, and warns investors have a tough 12 months ahead. The Tesla, Twitter, and SpaceX chief spoke during his automaker's shareholder meeting and a CNBC interview on Tuesday. "I think Tesla will have a ChatGPT moment, maybe if not this year, I'd say no later than next year." And I think that's just generally true for the economy." And now I think they're going to be slow to lower them."

☆ 'I did not lose hope': How it feels to have $19,000 in student loan debt forgiven
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-17 | by ( Kamaron Mcnair | In Kamaronmcnair | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

But in 2022, they got a major boost: Francis had $19,000 in student debt erased through Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), despite being previously rejected. The program allows borrowers who work for government or nonprofit organizations to have their federal student loan balances cleared after 120 qualifying monthly payments. But currently, routes to student debt forgiveness are limited. To earn PSLF, borrowers have to make monthly payments — and continue working for an eligible employer — for 10 years. As of 2019, she had worked for the federal government for 14 years and made regular student loan payments.

☆ US economy 'hangs in the balance' as debt limit impasse drag on, Yellen says
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-16 | by ( Andrea Shalal | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

WASHINGTON, May 16 (Reuters) - The standoff over the federal debt limit is already having dire consequences for the U.S. economy, driving borrowing costs higher and adding to the country's debt burden, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is expected to say in prepared remarks on Tuesday. "The U.S. economy hangs in the balance. Congress should address the debt limit as soon as possible." Yellen said the 2011 crisis - when lawmakers raised the debt limit shortly before the government had to stop making payments - showed the serious repercussions of not acting sooner. Investors had already become more reluctant to hold government debt that matures in early June, and the deadlock was increasing the overall debt burden, she said.

☆ NY Fed finds big slowdown in new mortgage creation in first quarter
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-15 | by ( Michael S. Derby | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

NEW YORK, May 15 (Reuters) - Amid a modest gain in overall household borrowing levels during the first quarter, the level of those taking on new housing-related debt dropped sharply, the New York Fed said Monday in a report. New York Fed researchers view overall debt levels as relatively healthy, with some pockets of nascent concern. The bite of the higher interest rate environment the Fed has been putting in place over the last year snagged the housing market. The bank said new mortgage debt created during the first quarter fell to the lowest level since 2014 at $324 billion, while overall mortgage debt for the quarter stood at $12.04 trillion. Reporting by Michael S. Derby; Editing by Chizu NomiyamaOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Consumer debt passes $17 trillion for the first time despite slide in mortgage demand
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-15 | by ( Jeff Cox | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Total consumer debt hit a fresh new high in the first quarter of 2023, pushing past $17 trillion even amid a sharp pullback in home borrowing. A series of Fed rate cuts helped push 30-year mortgage rates to a low around 2.65% in January 2021. The higher rates helped push total mortgage debt to $12.04 trillion, up 0.1 percentage point from the fourth quarter. Despite rising rates, mortgage foreclosures remained low. Delinquency rates for all debt increased, up 0.6 percentage point for credit cards to 6.5% and 0.2 percentage point for auto loans to 6.9%.

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