Some 401k Plan Sponsors have taken the approach of providing a broad range of investment options hoping that providing a few, low-cost index funds would fulfill their fiduciary duty to monitor fees and expenses of their plan. The logic here… Read More >
Municipal Market Update – December 2021
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal and expectations for possible tax increases served as a catalyst for a strong month in the municipal bond market. Treasury yields are rising heading into 2022 and the Federal Reserve Board reaffirmed their target rate range… Read More >
Should I Check the Per Stirpes Box?
Many people save for retirement in a defined-contribution retirement plan (like a 401k) or an individual retirement account (traditional or Roth IRA). It is important to designate beneficiaries for accounts. The forms, often seemingly simple to fill out, have hidden… Read More >
Effects of Automatic Enrollment in Plan Design
In our recent investment commentary, we highlighted research regarding plan design and plan participants. The research clearly highlights the effects that plan design can have on plan participants and retirement outcomes. While the study largely confirms that automatic enrollment has… Read More >
Municipal Market Update – October 2021
Our Municipal Market Update is data-driven, one page sheet that is intended to give you an overview of key interest rates – floating as well as the credit spreads of key local and state entities with data as of October 31, 2021…. Read More >
Municipal Market Update – September 2021
Our Municipal Market Update is data-driven, one page sheet that is intended to give you an overview of key interest rates – floating as well as the credit spreads of key local and state entities with data as of September 30, 2021…. Read More >
Municipal Market Update – August 2021
Our Municipal Market Update is data-driven, one page sheet that is intended to give you an overview of key interest rates – floating as well as the credit spreads of key local and state entities with data as of August 31, 2021…. Read More >
Birmingham Area Economic Report, Q2 2021
This report explores a few key statistics that paint a picture of the Birmingham area economy. Our Birmingham Area Economic Report places the Birmingham area economy in a state, regional and national context. Click here to download the full report… Read More >
Municipal Market Update – July 2021
Our Municipal Market Update is data-driven, one page sheet that is intended to give you an overview of key interest rates – floating as well as the credit spreads of key local and state entities with data as of July 31, 2021…. Read More >
Municipal Market Update – June 2021
Our Municipal Market Update is data-driven, one page sheet that is intended to give you an overview of key interest rates – floating as well as the credit spreads of key local and state entities with data as of June 30, 2021…. Read More >
Municipal Market Update – May 2021
Our Municipal Market Update is data-driven, one page sheet that is intended to give you an overview of key interest rates – floating as well as the credit spreads of key local and state entities with data as of May 31, 2021…. Read More >
Municipal Market Update – April 2021
Our Municipal Market Update is data-driven, one page sheet that is intended to give you an overview of key interest rates – floating as well as the credit spreads of key local and state entities with data as of April 30, 2021…. Read More >
It is Time to Think About M&A
M&A is Back Say what you will about 2020, Alabama’s banking system changed on a dime to meet the needs of our clients and local economies. Think about it. Branches closed, digital services grew, employee and customer health needs were… Read More >
Municipal Market Update – March 2021
Our Municipal Market Update is data-driven, one page sheet that is intended to give you an overview of key interest rates – floating as well as the credit spreads of key local and state entities with data as of March 31, 2021…. Read More >
Municipal Market Update – February 2021
Our Municipal Market Update is data-driven, one page sheet that is intended to give you an overview of key interest rates – floating as well as the credit spreads of key local and state entities with data as of February 28, 2021…. Read More >
Municipal Market Update – January 2021
Our Municipal Market Update is data-driven, one page sheet that is intended to give you an overview of key interest rates – floating as well as the credit spreads of key local and state entities with data as of January 31, 2021…. Read More >
Economies of Scale in Community Banks: An FDIC Study
Overview In December 2020, the FDIC produced a staff study entitled Economies of Scale in Community Banks1 which concluded community banks generate 90% of potential efficiency gains when a bank’s loan portfolio reaches $300 million and continue to accrue cost… Read More >
Municipal Market Update – September 2020
The municipal market remained relatively stable in September, as 30-day volatility of 10-year AAA GOs increased modestly from 0.82 to 0.87 over the month. Municipal supply in September remained high with monthly issuance of $50.3 billion, a 34.3% increase from… Read More >
