Personal income increased in December

ABA economists believe that small-business owners remain cautiously optimistic amid a mixed operating environment and that conditions could lead to tepid loan demand for small businesses in the coming months.

The FCC is seeking public comment on creating a “robocall scorecard” to measure how voice service providers are protecting consumers from illegal calls. In related news, the commission booted 14 providers from the U.S. telecommunications network.

The IRS will issue a final rule to implement a new tax deduction for certain automobile purchases, according to a notice in the Federal Register.

More than two in five U.S. consumers said they have encountered a scam powered by artificial intelligence, either personally or through someone they know, according to a recent survey by Credit One Bank.

More than two in five middle-income renters say they earn more than their parents did at the same age but still can’t afford a home, according to a recent survey by Neighbors Bank in Missouri.

ABA economists view this month’s strong payroll report as a positive catalyst for business and consumer loan demand. The continued low unemployment rate should also keep consumer credit performance strong.