The more measured approach to rate increases the Fed is now taking reflects an awareness among the officials that the risks to the economy of raising rates too high is growing. read more >
Union Bankshares Inc. of Mena says it will combine its two bank charters, Union Bank and First National Bank at Paris, and operate all its bank branches under one name, Union Bank. read more >
The focus for Wall Street investors and analysts now is shifting toward what comes next. Some clues could come in the updated interest rate projections it releases each quarter and at a news conference with Chair Jerome Powell. read more >
Fayetteville’s Arvest Bank lost nearly $1.4 million for the six months ending June 30, compared with an $81 million profit during the first half of 2022. read more >
The Employee Retention Credit was designed help small businesses keep paying their employees during the height of the pandemic if they were fully or partly suspended from operating. read more >
The average rate on the benchmark 30-year home loan rose to 7.18% from 7.12% last week, according to Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac on Thursday. A year ago, the rate averaged 6.02%. read more >
Population growth in central Arkansas has slowed since 2010 to about 0.5% annually, Metroplan, the area’s planning agency, noted in a report released in July. read more >
As we did with this year’s 40 Under 40 class, we asked each of these honorees a variety of questions about Arkansas’ strengths, its challenges and ways it can be more attractive to young professionals. Their answers are thoughtful, honest and well worth your time. read more >