Bannon&Co.

The Economy Watch

February 18, 2009

Bannon & Co. monitors various media in efforts to best serve our clients.

It occurred to us that not everyone has the time to follow the tumultuous economic news as they would like.

These links to important and interesting perspectives about the economic situation are offered for your consideration as the stimulus bill is implemented.

Bill Bannon

Small banks look to fight perception problems
Community bankers who serve small geographic areas say they're suffering from an image problem hastened by tottering giants like Citigroup and Bank of America, and non-bank financial firms such as Bear Stearns, Lehman Brothers and AIG in this article from the Arizona Republic.

A gauge of consumers' receptivity to types of financial institutions was a significant finding in the first Consumer Sentiment Study - A Local View conducted in November 2008. The topic will be included in the next study planned in the near future. (Get more information on how your institution can participate in the study.)

What's in the Stimulus for You
Measure Provides Tax Credits, College Help, Cobra Subsidy, AMT Patch in this WSJ article.

25 People to Blame for the Financial Crisis
TIME's picks for the top 25 people to blame for the financial crisis.

Bank nationalization gains ground with Republicans
Lindsey Graham, the Republican senator for South Carolina, says that many of his colleagues agree that nationalization of some banks should be "on the table" in this article from the Financial Times.

Zombie Banks Feed Off Bailout Money
A zombie bank keeps draining bailout capital from the government but doesn't respond with any meaningful lending that helps the economy recover as told in this NPR podcast.

There's Virtue In Geithner's Vague Bank Plan
At least he doesn't want to guarantee more bad debt according to this WSJ commentary.

To see how the downturn in the economy effected neighborhoods served by several community financial institutions, a Consumer Sentiment Study - A Local View was conducted by Bannon & Co. in November 2008.

A follow-up study of consumers' opinions, particularly regarding their financial intentions and the role community based financial institutions can play in meeting their financial goals is being planned after the specifics of the plan are signed into law.

Because the study is shared by a number of financial institutions, the cost to each participant is considerably lower than if the study was conducted individually.

Click here for more information on how a Consumer Sentiment Study in neighborhoods served by your institution can provide key information to refine marketing strategies.

Contact Information
Phone: 978.443.1830
Online: Bannon & Co. Website

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