Description

From Uncertainly to Action: Economic Outlook, Industry Trends, and Strategic Moves for Credit Union Leaders | November 18, 2026

2026 was supposed to be a year of rate cuts from the Fed. Instead, the focus has recently shifted to rate hikes with the first 25bps coming on Sep 16th. Credit union balance sheets built for one direction may not be positioned well for the other. This session will help executives understand what's driving the shift, what it means for their institutions, and how to respond with confidence.

We'll start with an economic update on the forces behind the changing rate outlook, including inflation, labor market conditions, and Fed policy expectations. From there, we'll highlight the industry trends that matter most right now, from deposit competition and funding costs to loan demand and liquidity.

Finally, we'll make the case for a strategic mindset shift: focusing on margin, not just yield. In a volatile environment, the highest-yielding option isn't always the best one. We'll explore how to evaluate investment, lending, and funding decisions through their impact on net interest margin, earnings stability, risk, and share practical strategies credit unions can put to work today.

Attendees will learn:

• What's behind the move from rate cuts to potential hikes, and how it could unfold
• Which industry trends are reshaping credit union performance
• Why margin-focused decision-making outperforms yield-chasing in volatile markets
• Actionable strategies to strengthen earnings and balance sheet resilience

Presenters: Andy Okolski, Managing Director, Credit Union and Municipality Strategies at The Baker Group