Consumer sentiment rises in December, down from last year

The federal banking agencies pledged to step up oversight of third-party core providers whose business practices “unreasonably limit” community banks from conducting due diligence or from negotiating contract terms that address the banks’ business needs.

Consumer sentiment decreased 3.9 points month-over-month in September to 47.8, and is down 7.3 points from one year ago, according to preliminary results of the University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers.

Recent hiring gains have been overwhelmingly concentrated among women, who accounted for roughly 98% of jobs added in August and 93% of jobs added since the beginning of 2025.

The guide gives organizations a current look at insider threats and practical steps to develop or enhance an insider threat program, according to CISA.

Continuing inflationary pressure could weigh on consumer and business sentiment, erode purchasing power and dampen real economic growth. This could be a headwind for loan demand, particularly for interest rate-sensitive products such as mortgages and auto loans.

The federal banking agencies announced they are raising the asset threshold that certain banks must fall under to qualify for an extended 18-month examination schedule rather than a 12-month schedule.