The 2026 irst quarter TrendWatch update from Callahans was a very positive description of a financially sound cooperative system. Here are two slides summarizing key macro trnds. The full slide deck is here.
The balance sheet is strong and gowing.
The income statement shows strong net margins and rising ROA.
Two of the five takeaways by Callahan’s staff were:
Consumers Need Support Now More Than Ever
The commentators referenced the economic stress citizens feel with a 3.8% CPI increase; the majority who feel their financial circumstances are getting worse; and the K-shaped economy in which stock market’s gains are going primarly to those already well off, not those liiving on their weekly paycheck.
Now Is The Time To Build Capital And Invest Strategically
With net worth at 11.3%, or over 400 basis points above the 7% well capitalized level, should credit unions continue to add more to retained earnings?
With multiple options, how should credit union leaders allocate their success between these two priorities? How would members view this decision?