investments
Federal Reserve Sees Tariffs Raising Inflation This Year, Keeps Key Rate Unchanged
The Fed also now expects the economy to grow more slowly this year and next than it did three months ago.
by Associated Press -
When Federal Reserve officials last met in late January, things looked pretty good. What a difference seven weeks makes.
![AAPI Achieve is the first mentorship program in the state specifically designed for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. [PHOTO provided]](https://arkansasbusiness.wppcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/DSC02374_opt-84x115.jpg)
The Venture Center in Little Rock launched AAPI Achieve, Arkansas’ first mentorship program for Asian American and Pacific Islander entrepreneurs, to foster community, business growth, and representation.
The bankers behind Grand Savings Bank in Bentonville are set to acquire Stark Bancshares Inc. of Bolivar, Missouri, and its subsidiary LimeBank, in a deal valued at under $12.5 million.
In His Own Words: Trump Takes Credit for Stock Market Rises but Casts Aside Blame for Sell-Off
President Donald Trump in recent days has dismissed fears of a recession and brushed aside the stock market sell-off, going so far as to say, “You can’t really watch the stock market." That's a new message from a leader who has frequently pointed to the market's ups and downs as a reflection of himself and his activities, even when he was not in power. read more >
by Associated Press -
Trump’s Erratic Trade Policies are Baffling Businesses, Threatening Investment and Economic Growth
His tariffs on Canada and Mexico effectively blow up a 2020 North American trade deal he negotiated himself five years ago. read more >
by Associated Press -
Commercial Real Estate Value Rebounds Modestly in 2024
After plunging in 2023, the value of commercial real estate investment in the U.S. experienced a modest improvement in 2024, the data provider Statista reported in February. “According to industry […] read more >
BSR’s New Texas Development Weighs on Q4 Results, but Operating Income Rises for Full Year
The company also announced the hiring of Tom Cirbus as CFO. He spent the past 11 years in the investment banking division of Wells Fargo. read more >
Venture Center Launches $10M Investment Fund
The fund focuses on Arkansas-based, technology-driven companies that are expected to generate great economic benefit to the state and region. read more >
BSR Positions Itself for Growth — or a Sale — Through $619M Deal With AvalonBay
The deal includes a change in shareholder power that BSR believes will make it more attractive to investment partners or prospective buyers. read more >
by Scott Carroll -
Warren Buffett’s Annual Letter: What the Billionaire Wants From Uncle Sam & Wall Street
Buffett no longer ventures much into politics or current events in his letters, so he won't offend anyone who might take it out on his many companies that include well-known ones like Geico insurance, Dairy Queen and Helzberg jewelry. read more >
by Associated Press -
Foundation Resource Management Owners Sell Firm to Minority Partners
Founder Greg Hartz and former co-owner Mark Millsap will remain with the firm as full-time employees and portfolio managers. read more >
The Stephens Group Acquires Industrial Cleaning Services Firm Astro Pak
Astro Pak provides on-site, shop and cleanroom services for a variety of critical systems and components. The company has clients in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, aerospace and defense, and other markets. read more >
Bentonville Cybersecurity Startup Bastazo Raises $1M, Plans Early 2025 Product Launch
The company is in growth mode after completing a highly selective accelerator and residency program in San Francisco. read more >
by Chloe McGehee -
Jeff Amerine Named Board Chair of Ark Angel Alliance
As the founder and managing director at Startup Junkie Consulting of Fayetteville, Amerine has extensive experience in venture creation and investment. read more >
Moses Tucker Partners Teams Up With Denver Investment Firm on $52.5M Multifamily Acquisition
Northpoint Villas is the second multifamily property in the Dallas-Fort Worth market jointly acquired by Moses Tucker Partners and Equity Partnership Holdings. read more >
Heights and Hillcrest Lead Property Value Gains in Little Rock
This chart, provided by Metroplan, shows the change in property value for areas within Little Rock from 2020 to 2024. The figures are in nominal dollars, without adjusting for inflation. […] read more >
BSR’s Operating Income Dips 1.9% in Q3
The company attributed the decrease in part to initial operating expenses for a property under development. read more >
Simmons’ Q3 Income Falls 48% as Bank Takes Loss on Securities Sale
CEO Bob Fehlman said the bank offloaded certain lower-yielding bonds to "hasten the pace of our ongoing balance sheet optimization strategy." read more >
Beau Terre Office Park in Bentonville Sells for $44.6M
A group of investors led by George Dunklin purchased the 378,493-SF Beau Terre Office Park. read more >
Bradford Gaines Joins Lefler Capital as Partner
Gaines brings more than 20 years of experience in real estate development, land planning, subdivision development, and commercial construction to his new role. read more >
The Stephens Group Agrees to Sell Portfolio Company Catalyst Acoustics
The Little Rock private equity firm combined a group of acoustic, seismic, vibration and noise control companies to form Catalyst in 2020. read more >
Little Rock Startup Launches Truck Parking App After $15M Capital Raise
The app, Trucklots, will allow drivers and fleets to make parking reservations for easier check-ins and check-outs at parking lots. read more >
Crews & Associates Expands to Indiana, Hires Susan Reed as Managing Director
Reed, who began her role as managing director on Aug. 12, is a licensed attorney and an investment banker on the company's public finance team. read more >
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![Dr. Burke Soffe, dean of the Lyon College School of Dental Medicine: “This will provide a generational impact on oral health in the state.” [Karen Segrave]](https://arkansasbusiness.wppcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ARBusiness-Lyon-Dental-School-0174_opt-150x150.jpg)
