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From the Desk

This daily newsletter conveniently delivers financial and economic commentary from around the globe, daily market rates and Bank announcements right to your inbox.

Recent Economic Commentary

Brandon Casey, Member Strategies - 12/24/2025

U.S. stocks are mixed Wednesday morning on the shortened Christmas Eve trading day. The DJIA and S&P 500 are higher, while the Nasdaq is lower in early trading. The S&P 500 set a new intraday record high this morning. All three major averages were higher on Tuesday.

Looking at economic data today, initial jobless claims fell by 10,000 to 214,000. Initial claims were expected to be unchanged at 224,000. Continuing claims rose by 38,000 to 1.923 million.

Elsewhere, MBA mortgage applications fell 5.0% last week. Purchase applications dropped 4% and refinance applications were down 6%. The report also showed that the average interest rate of a 30-year conforming mortgage fell seven basis points to 6.31%.

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Educational Resources

Beat the Spread - A Strategy to Secure Low-Cost Funding Whitepaper Beat the Spread - A Strategy to Secure Low-Cost Funding If your institution is in the market for low-cost, long-term funding, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines has a strategy for you to lock in and “Beat the Spread”. Liquidity 2.0: Emerging Strategies & Best Practices for Credit Unions Video/Webinar Liquidity 2.0: Emerging Strategies & Best Practices for Credit Unions This webinar introduces new tools, strategies and case studies to help credit unions better manage risk and plan for the future. Q4 2023 Quarterly Economic Update Article Q4 2023 Quarterly Economic Update Q4 2023 Quarterly Economic Update Q3 2023 Economic Update Article Q3 2023 Economic Update Each quarter our Member Strategies Team takes an in-depth look at the economic issues facing the nation while providing a unique commentary on the effects they may have on our members.

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