The Real Economy Blog

Brandon Koeser

@brandonkoeser

Brandon Koeser is a senior manager at RSM US. In May 2019, he was selected as a senior analyst in RSM’s cutting-edge Industry Eminence Program, which positions its senior analysts to understand, forecast and communicate economic, business and technology trends shaping the industries RSM serves. Koeser's focus is on the financial services industry.

CHART OF THE DAY: How stablecoins are helping lay the groundwork for digital currencies

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For much of the short history of digital assets like bitcoin, their buyers have used them mostly as a store of value -- like gold. Their price volatility is one reason that they have not gained greater acceptance as a means of exchange, like a traditional currency. But there are signs that is about to change with the rise of stablecoins -- or digital ... READ MORE >

Comptroller of the Currency puts the fair access rule on hold

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The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has put a hold on its recently issued fair access rule, the agency announced. The rule, which would have barred banks from denying loans to businesses on political or ideological grounds, passed two weeks ago under acting Comptroller Brian Brooks, but was widely criticized across the banking ... READ MORE >

With added benefits, lenders stand ready to roll out more fiscal aid

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Congress’ approval of another round of fiscal aid is providing a ray of hope for borrowers and customers of financial institutions as they look to move on from a difficult year. The legislation provides needed relief for the small businesses most affected by the downturn and customers of financial institutions. It also offers a host of benefits beyond the ... READ MORE >

CHART OF THE DAY: Booming mortgage originations

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After a slow first quarter, mortgage originations in the United States are surging as homeowners capitalize on historically low interest rates, with the totals approaching levels not seen since 2003. Mortgage originations totaled $962 billion and $928 billion in the second and third quarters, respectively, driven by homeowners refinancing existing ... READ MORE >

CHART OF THE DAY: Airport traffic surges over Thanksgiving

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Amid spiking coronavirus cases, airports had a surge in travelers over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. The Transportation Security Administration reported that more than 1 million passengers were processed through its checkpoints on the busy travel days of Wednesday and Sunday. This represents the fourth and fifth times that more than 1 million people ... READ MORE >

SBA announces simplified PPP loan forgiveness

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Some businesses that accepted financing under the Paycheck Protection Program now have a streamlined path to receiving the promised forgiveness of those loans, under new guidelines released late Thursday. The Small Business Administration, in consultation with the Treasury Department, announced updated forgiveness instructions for Paycheck Protection ... READ MORE >

CHART OF THE DAY: TSA throughput highlights consumer uncertainty

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As the dog days of summer near their end, traditional forms of data such as the Conference Board’s consumer confidence reading and Labor Department's weekly jobless claims are starting to show strain in the U.S. economic recovery. High-frequency, real-time metrics such as TSA Traveler throughput data and OpenTable restaurant reservation bookings underscore ... READ MORE >