Jim Holt

Dec 26, 2024 | cuinsight.com | Jim Holt

As we prepare for a new year, forward-thinking credit unions are resolving to diversify their loan portfolios. During CU Student Choice’s Empower U conference, credit union economist Bill Hampel noted that credit unions should be considering other categories of loans in 2025 such as student lending and business lending to supplement lower car sales and slower mortgage volumes.

Nov 19, 2024 | cuinsight.com | David Adams |Scott Butterfield |Doug Williams |Jim Holt

The auto lending industry is facing numerous challenges, from market fluctuations to changing consumer preferences. Dealers are navigating a perfect storm of decreasing yet still high vehicle prices, stable but elevated interest rates, and rising consumer insurance premiums—all of which impact whether buyers can purchase a new vehicle. The supply of used vehicles has improved somewhat, but it remains a challenge, partly due to fewer leased vehicles returning to dealerships.

Nov 15, 2024 | cuinsight.com | JP Kelly |Doug Williams |Jim Holt |Jack Kelly

As mortgage rates are projected to trend downward in the new year, the market is gearing up for an upswing in loan volume. projects that rates will dip to an average of 5.9% in 2025, prompting a surge in mortgage origination volume from $1.68 trillion to $2.155 trillion. This shift spells significant opportunity for lenders—but only for those who are prepared.

Oct 30, 2024 | cuinsight.com | Jim Holt

From inflation to interest rates to the housing market, economic factors have been making headlines for months. In CU Student Choice’s virtual Empower U conference, credit union economist Bill Hampel recently recapped economic trends and offered timely insights into what credit unions and consumers can anticipate in the coming year. Here are a few of the key takeaways from the informative event, which is also available on-demand.

Oct 1, 2024 | cuinsight.com | Jim Holt

Even with recent rate cuts and the “vibecession” or negative sentiments about the economy beginning to wane, many young adults still have a tough road ahead financially. With the average cost of a private, four-year college hovering at $56,000 per year, Gen Zers pursuing higher education need affordable financing. That’s why CU Student Choice was created – to provide the solutions these students and their families so desperately need through the local credit union they want to lean on.