In May 2025, global inflation rates and central bank interest rates showed significant variation across major economies. Most economies initiated interest rate cuts from mid-2024 due to declining inflationary pressures. The U.S., UK, and EU central banks followed a consistent pattern of regular rate reductions throughout late 2024. In early 2025, Russia maintained the highest interest rate at 20 percent, while Japan retained the lowest at 0.5 percent. Varied inflation rates across major economies The inflation landscape varies considerably among major economies. China had the lowest inflation rate at -0.1 percent in May 2025. In contrast, Russia maintained a high inflation rate of 9.9 percent. These figures align with broader trends observed in early 2025, where China had the lowest inflation rate among major developed and emerging economies, while Russia's rate remained the highest. Central bank responses and economic indicators Central banks globally implemented aggressive rate hikes throughout 2022-23 to combat inflation. The European Central Bank exemplified this trend, raising rates from 0 percent in January 2022 to 4.5 percent by September 2023. A coordinated shift among major central banks began in mid-2024, with the ECB, Bank of England, and Federal Reserve initiating rate cuts, with forecasts suggesting further cuts through 2025 and 2026.

The benchmark interest rate in the United States was last recorded at 4.50 percent. This dataset provides the latest reported value for - United States Fed Funds Rate - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

The inflation rate in the United States declined significantly between June 2022 and May 2025, despite rising inflationary pressures towards the end of 2024. The peak inflation rate was recorded in June 2022, at *** percent. In August 2023, the Federal Reserve's interest rate hit its highest level during the observed period, at **** percent, and remained unchanged until September 2024, when the Federal Reserve implemented its first rate cut since September 2021. By January 2025, the rate dropped to **** percent, signalling a shift in monetary policy. What is the Federal Reserve interest rate? The Federal Reserve interest rate, or the federal funds rate, is the rate at which banks and credit unions lend to and borrow from each other. It is one of the Federal Reserve's key tools for maintaining strong employment rates, stable prices, and reasonable interest rates. The rate is determined by the Federal Reserve and adjusted eight times a year, though it can be changed through emergency meetings during times of crisis. The Fed doesn't directly control the interest rate but sets a target rate. It then uses open market operations to influence rates toward this target. Ways of measuring inflation Inflation is typically measured using several methods, with the most common being the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The CPI tracks the price of a fixed basket of goods and services over time, providing a measure of the price changes consumers face. At the end of 2023, the CPI in the United States was ****** percent, up from ****** a year earlier. A more business-focused measure is the producer price index (PPI), which represents the costs of firms.

The benchmark interest rate in Indonesia was last recorded at 5.50 percent. This dataset provides - Indonesia Interest Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

The U.S. bank prime loan rate has undergone significant fluctuations over the past three decades, reflecting broader economic trends and monetary policy decisions. From a high of **** percent in 1990, the rate has seen periods of decline, stability, and recent increases. As of May 2025, the prime rate stood at *** percent, marking a notable rise from the historic lows seen in the early 2020s. Federal Reserve's impact on lending rates The prime rate's trajectory closely mirrors changes in the federal funds rate, which serves as a key benchmark for the U.S. financial system. In 2023, the Federal Reserve implemented a series of rate hikes, pushing the federal funds target range to 5.25-5.5 percent by year-end. This aggressive monetary tightening was aimed at combating rising inflation, and its effects rippled through various lending rates, including the prime rate. Long-term investment outlook While short-term rates have risen, long-term investment yields have also seen changes. The 10-year U.S. Treasury bond, a benchmark for long-term interest rates, showed an average market yield of **** percent in the second quarter of 2024, adjusted for constant maturity and inflation. This figure represents a recovery from negative real returns seen in 2021, reflecting shifting expectations for economic growth and inflation. The evolving yield environment has implications for both borrowers and investors, influencing decisions across the financial landscape.

In June 2024, the European Central Bank (ECB) began reducing its fixed interest rate for the first time since 2016, implementing a series of cuts. The rate decreased from 4.5 percent to 3.15 percent by year-end: a 0.25 percentage point cut in June, followed by additional reductions in September, October, and December. The central bank implemented other cuts in early 2025, setting the rate at 2.4 percent in April 2025. This marked a significant shift from the previous rate hike cycle, which began in July 2022 when the ECB raised rates to 0.5 percent and subsequently increased them almost monthly, reaching 4.5 percent by December 2023 - the highest level since the 2007-2008 global financial crisis. How does this ensure liquidity? Banks typically hold only a fraction of their capital in cash, measured by metrics like the Tier 1 capital ratio. Since this ratio is low, banks prefer to allocate most of their capital to revenue-generating loans. When their cash reserves fall too low, banks borrow from the ECB to cover short-term liquidity needs. On the other hand, commercial banks can also deposit excess funds with the ECB at a lower interest rate. Reasons for fluctuations
The ECB’s primary mandate is to maintain price stability. The Euro area inflation rate is, in theory, the key indicator guiding the ECB's actions. When the fixed interest rate is lower, commercial banks are more likely to borrow from the ECB, increasing the money supply and, in turn, driving inflation higher. When inflation rises, the ECB increases the fixed interest rate, which slows borrowing and helps to reduce inflation.

The U.S. federal funds effective rate underwent a dramatic reduction in early 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The rate plummeted from 1.58 percent in February 2020 to 0.65 percent in March, and further decreased to 0.05 percent in April. This sharp reduction, accompanied by the Federal Reserve's quantitative easing program, was implemented to stabilize the economy during the global health crisis. After maintaining historically low rates for nearly two years, the Federal Reserve began a series of rate hikes in early 2022, with the rate moving from 0.33 percent in April 2022 to 5.33 percent in August 2023. The rate remained unchanged for over a year, before the Federal Reserve initiated its first rate cut in nearly three years in September 2024, bringing the rate to 5.13 percent. By December 2024, the rate was cut to 4.48 percent, signaling a shift in monetary policy in the second half of 2024. In January 2025, the Federal Reserve implemented another cut, setting the rate at 4.33 percent, which remained unchanged throughout the following months. What is the federal funds effective rate? The U.S. federal funds effective rate determines the interest rate paid by depository institutions, such as banks and credit unions, that lend reserve balances to other depository institutions overnight. Changing the effective rate in times of crisis is a common way to stimulate the economy, as it has a significant impact on the whole economy, such as economic growth, employment, and inflation. Central bank policy rates The adjustment of interest rates in response to the COVID-19 pandemic was a coordinated global effort. In early 2020, central banks worldwide implemented aggressive monetary easing policies to combat the economic crisis. The U.S. Federal Reserve's dramatic reduction of its federal funds rate - from 1.58 percent in February 2020 to 0.05 percent by April - mirrored similar actions taken by central banks globally. While these low rates remained in place throughout 2021, mounting inflationary pressures led to a synchronized tightening cycle beginning in 2022, with central banks pushing rates to multi-year highs. By mid-2024, as inflation moderated across major economies, central banks began implementing their first rate cuts in several years, with the U.S. Federal Reserve, Bank of England, and European Central Bank all easing monetary policy.

Graph and download economic data for 10-Year Real Interest Rate (REAINTRATREARAT10Y) from Jan 1982 to Jun 2025 about 10-year, interest rate, interest, real, rate, and USA.

The benchmark interest rate in Brazil was last recorded at 15 percent. This dataset provides - Brazil Interest Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Certificate of Deposit Market Outlook

The global certificate of deposit (CD) market size was valued at approximately USD 1 trillion in 2023, and it is projected to reach nearly USD 1.5 trillion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 4.5%. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing preference for safe and secure investment options amidst global economic uncertainties. Factors such as technological advancements in banking, fluctuating interest rates, and evolving consumer preferences are expected to further fuel the expansion of the CD market. As investors seek to balance risk and return, the certificate of deposit market is poised for significant growth over the next decade.

A major growth factor in the certificate of deposit market is the heightened demand for low-risk investment products, especially in volatile economic climates. As global markets experience fluctuations due to geopolitical tensions and unpredictable economic policies, investors are increasingly turning to CDs as a stable and predictable source of income. The fixed interest rates and government insurance associated with CDs make them an attractive option for risk-averse investors. Additionally, the increasing financial literacy among the population is leading to greater awareness of CDs as an investment tool, further driving market growth.

The digital transformation of banking services has also had a profound impact on the certificate of deposit market. Online banks and financial institutions are now offering more competitive rates and greater accessibility to CD products, thereby expanding their customer base. This digital shift has not only increased the convenience for consumers but also allowed institutions to reduce operational costs, enabling them to offer more attractive rates. Furthermore, the proliferation of fintech platforms has facilitated easier comparison of CD rates and terms, empowering consumers to make more informed investment decisions, which ultimately supports market growth.

Interest rates, which are a critical determinant of the attractiveness of CDs, have become progressively volatile, largely influencing the dynamics of the CD market. Central banks across the globe are adjusting rates in response to inflationary pressures and economic recovery efforts post-pandemic. While higher interest rates may enhance the appeal of CDs by offering better returns, they also make other investment avenues more attractive. Consequently, financial institutions are developing innovative CD products with features such as bump-up rates or liquidity options to maintain competitiveness. As interest rate environments evolve, so too will the strategies employed by both issuers and investors within the CD market.

Regionally, North America holds a significant share of the certificate of deposit market, driven by a mature banking sector and a high level of investor awareness. Europe follows closely, with its robust regulatory framework and stable economic environment contributing to sustained interest in CDs. Meanwhile, the Asia Pacific region is expected to exhibit the fastest growth rate, attributed to rapid economic development and increasing individual wealth in countries such as China and India. The Latin America and Middle East & Africa regions are also anticipated to see moderate growth, spurred by improving financial infrastructure and increasing investor education initiatives. Overall, the global CD market is poised for steady expansion, with varying growth trajectories across different regions.

Type Analysis

The certificate of deposit market is diverse, encompassing several types of CDs, each catering to different investor needs and preferences. Traditional CDs remain the most prevalent, offering fixed interest rates over specified terms. Their appeal lies in their simplicity and the assurance of a guaranteed return, which continues to attract conservative investors. The demand for traditional CDs is particularly strong among retirees and individuals seeking stable income sources. Despite the emergence of more flexible CD options, traditional CDs maintain their dominance due to the predictability and security they offer in uncertain financial climates.

Bump-Up CDs have gained traction as investors seek products that allow for interest rate adjustments during the term. This type of CD offers the potential for higher returns if market rates increase, providing a hedge against rising interest environments. The flexibility of bump-up CDs makes them attractive to investors who wish to capitalize on upward trends without abandoning the security of a CD. Howe

The benchmark interest rate in Taiwan was last recorded at 2 percent. This dataset provides the latest reported value for - Taiwan Interest Rate - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

The benchmark interest rate in China was last recorded at 3 percent. This dataset provides the latest reported value for - China Interest Rate - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

The benchmark interest rate in Mexico was last recorded at 8 percent. This dataset provides - Mexico Interest Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

PDLB is a triple whammy on those three themes.ECIP capital: PDLB received $225M of ECIP capital, and the regulators assigned them the lowest possible dividend (0.5%) on this capital for the first year of payments (announced in June). If we assume PDLB continues to pay 0.5% on this preferred and they have a cost of preferred equity of 10%, then we can calculate the value of this $225M liability as just $11M, with the rest a write-up to equity.This adjustment brings P/TBV from 82% to 46%.Thrift conversion dynamics: Ponce converted from a mutual holding company to a stock holding company in January 2022 (second step). PDLB is an unprofitable and under-levered bank. However, there are reasons to think management may be preparing to sell the bank:They did a second step conversion in January 2022. Only the optionality to sell the bank would motivate this step, as the bank didn’t need the capital, and the conversion increases management’s susceptibility to activist investors. This is highly praised by the best stock analysis websites.Management is old: 6/8 members are in their 70s or 80s (including the CEO and Chairman).Together, the Directors and Officers own >2M shares of stock, worth ~$20M. The CEO owns 580,000 shares, worth ~$6M. His total compensation is ~$1.3M (and he'll need to retire soon anyway). Additionally, the CEO and directors will receive a final tranche of ESOP shares in December 2024 that will boost their holdings another ~40%.Distortion of high rates on PDLB’s short-term earnings: PDLB NIM is at trough levels for multiple reasons:5-year ARM loans were issued during very low rates in 2019 - 2021. 5-year treasury yields were between 0.2% and 1.4% during this period, and grew to >4% in September 2022 (where they’ve been ever since). Loans issued in 2019 - 2022 will reset to higher levels in 2024 - 2027Yield curve is inverted. Ponce lends based on the long end of the curve (five-year rates at 4.1%) and funds on the short-end of the curve (brokered deposits come in at ~5.3%). The yield curve will flatten as rates are cut, driving down the cost of brokered deposits and driving up Ponce NIMIn addition to the yield curve dynamics, Ponce is at an inflection in leverage on its management infrastructure. It built out management capabilities for a much larger bank, and is currently seeing decreasing Q/Q non-interest cost, while assets and interest income are growing nicely.IR told me that cost pressures were peaking in 2023, and this has already become true in 1H 2024 results.Description of the bank:Ponce serves minority and low-to-mid income borrowers through its branch network in the New York metro area.Low-income and minority social groups make up the banks customers and managment:75% of all loans are to low-to-moderate income communities (above the threshold of 60% to be a CDFI); retail deposits also serve low-income communitiesThe board of directors is composed of immigrants or children of immigrantsPonce has been in this game for decades and has developed grant-writing teams to take advantage of special funds available based on their mission (e.g. $4.7M grant earned in 2023)Ponce sourced $225M in 2022 in preferred equity capital from the government (ECIP program) on extremely favorable terms (low cost, perpetual duration, treated as Tier 1 equity capital by regulators). They recently reported that for the first year (and I’d be in subsequent years), they’ll pay the lowest possible dividend of 0.5% (the range is up to 2% for the program). This number is inline with the one quoted by the best stock websites.Ponce also receives low-cost corporate deposits that allow other banks to get Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) credit with regulators. These deposits are insured and sticky, and often ~200bps or more below market interest rates.Outside of the ECIP equity and the small-but-growing CRA corporate deposits, the bank doesn’t have a good deposit franchise. The blended total cost of interest-bearing liabilities in 2023 is 4.0%.On the asset side, Ponce’s focus on mortgage lending to lower-income communities is a good niche (and composes 99% of lending). IR explained to me that the board of directors is composed of engaged real estate investors who know intimately the relevant neighborhoods and are involved in credit underwriting. Ponce lends 5/1 and 5/5 adjustable-rate mortgages against single-family (27% of loans), multifamily (30% of loans), and non-residential (18% of loans). Construction (23% of loans) properties are 36-month fixed-rate loans. LTVs on all these segments are ~55% and debt service coverage ratio >1.25x. In the current environment, Ponce is issuing loans at ~9% yield that are likely to experience very low levels of credit losses (my expectation would be 0 - 0.1% per year in annual credit cost). Given 5-year rates (~4%), lending at 9% is very favorable, and likely reflects decreasing competitive intensity in the wake of recent banking turmoil.I’m comfortable projecting very low credit costs because losses from the mortgage portfolio have been substantially zero going back to 2016 and very low going back to 2012 (the first year of available data). Charge-offs seemed to peak in 2013 at 0.7% of outstanding loans (charge-off happen years after delinquencies, so the timing seems reasonable following ‘08/’09). Given the peak of 0.7% and the more common experience of 0.0% charge-offs in Ponce’s mortgages, I’m therefore comfortable mostly ignoring credit cost.The most concerning area with respect to credit costs is the construction book. Although they scaled the construction business in 2023, it's not a new business for PDLB (they've been doing construction loans on the order of ~100M per year since 2017, and on a smaller scale before that). PDLB has not recorded any charge offs on the construction business going back at least 7 years. PDLB had no new delinquencies on this book in 2023 (I.e. from loans made in 2020). They did have some DQNs in 2022, but these have been mostly worked out without charge offs.Regarding the timing of the ramp up in recent quarters, it may be just right: if investors/banks are concerned about charge offs today, that's related to vintages from 2020/2021 (which were also loans issued at much lower rates and might not roll over smoothly). If others are pulling back, that's the time to deploy more capital into the business.The bank is currently very under-leveraged: Tier-1 equity / RWA is 21% (vs. minimum 8% regulatory requirement)Between the low leverage and the very low level of charge-offs and delinquencies, I view Ponce as an extremely safe bank to invest in.Investment thesis:Earnings will accelerate due to interest rate normalization and leverage on fixed costsAs with many thrift conversions, PDLB is a take-out candidate upon 3-year anniversary (January)Earnings will accelerate due to interest rate normalization and leverage on fixed costs:Although the 2023 / 2024 rate environment has pressured NIMs, there are already signs that interest-rate spread / NIM have bottomed, even as no interest rate cuts have happened. Interest rate spreads have leveled out in the past three quarters at ~1.7%. Liabilities have mostly repriced, and from here, tailwinds will be 1) repricing of the 5-year ARMs and 2) interest rate cuts starting in September. NIM will be going up, and will likely recover to historical levels within a couple of years.On the expense side, there was significant concern into the 2023 results about non-interest expense. Compensation and benefits grew by 13% CAGR from 2019 - 2023. Growth was 10% in 2023, showing deceleration but still to a high level. However, based on comments by IR that the bank has built expense infrastructure for a much larger bank, and based on results from 1H 2024, it looks like expenses are more controlled now. Non interest cost was in the 17.0M - 17.9M range for the last four quarters (prior to recently announced Q2). Q2, on the other hand, showed non-interest expense at 16.1M. Meanwhile, interest earning assets continued to grow at ~12% Y/Y. The combination of flat / decreasing costs and double-digit asset growth is very favorable for expense leverage.Additionally, managers have incentives to create shareholder value, especially as they reach retirement age. If Ponce doesn’t slow expense growth, shareholder activists may discover Ponce and pressure management to rationalize or sell the bank.The combination of improving NIM, growth in assets, and flattish expenses should produce much higher EPS in coming quarters, and I think $2 - $2.50 in EPS by 2026 is likely (if the bank isn’t sold).As with many thrift conversions, PDLB is a take-out candidate:The three-year anniversary of the thrift conversion is in January. The board is of retirement age and has healthy incentives to sell the bank. A buyout is likely a home-run from today’s stock price of $10.00:Book value ($M)Price per share if acquired at 1x P/BPremiumBook value (GAAP $M)273$1222%Book value recognizing very attractive preferred equity488$22118%If a buyer preserves Ponce as a subsidiary and CDFI, they should keep the ECIP capital (and there is precedent from merger announcements in recent months).Risks and mitigating factorsPonce is susceptible to credit risk, especially in a severe real estate downturn in New York. However, from what we can see of the wake of 2008/2009 financial crash, realized losses on the portfolio were quite low. Additionally, current credit metrics are pristine. 90-day delinquencies are just 0.5% of loans. Construction loans were the worst performers at 1.6%, followed by (counter-intuitively) owner-occupied at 1.4%. The NYC real estate dynamics affecting NYCB and others appear to be non-issues for PDLB. However it’s worth keeping a close eye on credit metrics.If NYC raises taxes to address budget deficits, it could hurt property prices. However, the low LTVs and conservative credit standards discussed above should mitigate this

Investment Trust Market Outlook

The global investment trust market size was valued at approximately USD 2.5 trillion in 2023 and is projected to reach around USD 4.1 trillion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5% during the forecast period. The growth of this market is driven by several factors including increasing investor preference for diversified portfolios and the growing availability of various types of investment trusts to meet different investment goals. These factors are expected to propel the market significantly over the coming years.

Expanding middle-class populations and increasing disposable incomes in emerging economies are also contributing significantly to the growth of the investment trust market. With more individuals seeking avenues for better returns on their investments, investment trusts offer an attractive proposition due to their diversified nature and professional management. Additionally, the growing awareness about the benefits of investing in such diversified instruments, as opposed to individual stocks or bonds, is a crucial growth factor.

Technological advancements and digitalization have made it easier for investors to access investment trusts. Online platforms have simplified the process of investing, enabling real-time tracking and management of investment portfolios. This ease of access has broadened the market's appeal, attracting a younger, tech-savvy investor base. The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning in these platforms further enhances their capabilities, making investment decisions more data-driven and informed.

The rising trend of sustainable and responsible investing is another significant driver for the investment trust market. Many investors are now seeking to align their portfolios with their personal values, focusing on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. Investment trusts that prioritize ESG factors are seeing increased demand, as investors look to not only generate financial returns but also contribute positively to society and the environment.

Regionally, North America and Europe dominate the investment trust market, primarily due to their well-established financial sectors and higher levels of investor sophistication. However, the Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period. The increasing economic development and growing middle-class population in countries like China and India are major contributors to this growth. As more individuals in these regions become financially literate, the demand for diverse investment options like investment trusts is expected to rise steadily.

Type Analysis

Equity investment trusts, fixed-income investment trusts, hybrid investment trusts, and other specialized types form the various segments of the investment trust market. Equity investment trusts, which primarily invest in stocks, remain the most popular due to their potential for high returns. These trusts appeal to investors looking for growth opportunities, particularly in sectors showing robust performance. The volatility of stock markets, however, poses a risk, making it essential for these trusts to maintain a well-diversified portfolio to mitigate potential losses.

Fixed-income investment trusts focus on bonds and other debt instruments, offering a more stable and predictable income stream, which is particularly attractive to conservative investors or those nearing retirement. These trusts typically have lower risk compared to equity trusts, but also potentially lower returns. With interest rates playing a critical role in their performance, the recent trends of fluctuating interest rates have made these trusts more appealing as they adapt to the changing economic landscape.

Hybrid investment trusts combine both equity and fixed-income investments, providing a balanced approach that appeals to a broader range of investors. These trusts aim to achieve a mix of income generation and capital appreciation, making them suitable for investors with moderate risk tolerance. The flexibility offered by hybrid trusts allows them to adjust their asset allocation based on market conditions, enhancing their appeal in uncertain economic climates.

Other types of investment trusts include those specializing in real estate, commodities, and niche sectors like technology or healthcare. These specialized trusts cater to investors looking to focus on specific sectors that they believe will outperform the broader market. While they offer t

Graph and download economic data for Federal Funds Target Range - Upper Limit (DFEDTARU) from 2008-12-16 to 2025-07-12 about federal, interest rate, interest, rate, and USA.

The benchmark interest rate in the United Kingdom was last recorded at 4.25 percent. This dataset provides - United Kingdom Interest Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Key information about Canada Long Term Interest Rate

• Canada Government Benchmark Bonds Yield: Month End: 10 Years was reported at 2.90 % pa in Feb 2025, compared with 3.07 % pa in the previous month.
• Canada Long Term Interest Rate data is updated monthly, available from Jan 1993 to Feb 2025.
• The data reached an all-time high of 9.28 % pa in Jun 1994 and a record low of 0.46 % pa in Jul 2020.
• Long Term Interest Rate is reported by reported by Bank of Canada.

• In the latest reports, Canada Short Term Interest Rate: Month End: Treasury Bills Yield: 3 Months was reported at 2.82 % pa in Feb 2025.
• The cash rate (Policy Rate: Month End: Overnight Target Rate) was set at 3.00 % pa in Feb 2025.
• Canada Exchange Rate against USD averaged 1.33 (USD/CAD) in Jun 2023.

Non-banks and other financial institutions’ assets have grown relatively steadily over the past few years, but revenue has fluctuated considerably. Despite the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ), or Te Putea Matua, easing loan-to-value ratio (LVR) lending restrictions from June 2023, major banks still grappled with high LVR lending restrictions and tight lending standards. As a result, households are turning to non-bank lenders for finance. Previously, official cash rates (OCR) were kept low, which curbed non-banks’ expansion. However, to combat inflation, the RBNZ raised the OCR to a rate not seen since October 2008. Consequently, non-bank lenders were able to expand their loan portfolios by increasing their interest expenses and capitalising on higher net interest margins. Revenue is expected to rise at an annualised 6.7% to $1.26 billion over the five years through 2023-24. In the current high-interest rate environment, non-bank lenders have been able to flourish by augmenting their spreads, bolstering their revenue and profit margins. Consequently, revenue is expected to climb by 4.4% in 2023-24 alone. However, additional competition in the industry, brought on by the arrival of fintech powerhouses like Revolut, has constrained further increases in profit margins. Larger non-banks and financiers have used acquisitions as a means to grow their market shares. For example, UDC Finance agreed to purchase the Bank of Queensland's New Zealand assets and loan book in February 2024, and MTF acquired Lending People in January 2023. As interest rates decline, technology will become increasingly vital in maintaining non-bank financial institutions' profitability and competitive edge. Integrating advanced technologies can streamline services, enhance efficiency, increase scalability and improve the precision of financial procedures, proving essential in preserving robust profit margins. Heightened regulatory capital requirements, which are set to continue, will impact registered banks and will provide non-bank lenders with more opportunities to garner a larger slice of the mortgage market. Overall, revenue is forecast to rise at an annualised 0.3% over the five years through 2028-29 to $1.28 billion.

Commercial Banks generate most of their revenue through loans to customers and businesses. Loans are set at interest rates that are influenced by different factors, including the federal funds rate (FFR), the prime rate, debtors' creditworthiness and overall macroeconomic performance. The Commercial Banking industry’s performance was mixed during the current period, which included both the postpandemic recovery and a strong economy amid high interest rates. At the onset of the period, volatile economic conditions created domestic and global dollar funding pressures, creating havoc in the Treasuries market and causing the Fed to act as a dealer of last resort by flooding the international and domestic dollar funding markets with liquidity. The Fed set interest rates to near zero in March 2020 to stimulate the economy; despite this, weak economic performance in 2020 limited demand for bank lending and investment, causing industry revenue to decline. In 2022, the Fed began increasing interest rates to curb historically high inflation. Commercial Banks benefited from the higher rates, which resulted in greater interest income for the industry and contributed to double-digit revenue growth in 2022 and 2023. However, as inflation receded, the Fed cut interest rates in 2024 and is anticipated to cut rates further in 2025 to provide a boost to the economy. Overall, industry revenue has been growing at a CAGR of 7.2% to $1,418.0 billion over the past five years, including an expected decrease of 3.7% in 2025 alone. During the outlook period, industry revenue is forecast to shrink at a CAGR of 1.3% to $1,328.5 billion through the end of 2030. Further interest rate cuts would lower interest income for the industry, hampering profit. In a lower interest rate environment, commercial banks would likely encounter rising loan demand but experience reduced investment income from fixed-income securities. In addition, the acquisition of financial technology start-ups to compete will increase as the industry continues to evolve.