CUNA findings: Branch location matters for the underserved

CUNA released Friday the July 2019 edition of the Economic Update, sponsored by the CUNA Finance Council. Senior Policy Analyst Samira Salem reports on recent U.S. economic growth developments, most notably a forecasted slowdown in economic growth spurred by the waning effects of the tax cuts, uncertainty around trade policy, and slowing global growth and the expectation that the Federal Reserve will cut the fed funds rate in the near term.

This month’s update also features CUNA’s updated economic and credit union forecast and new research from CUNA in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin’s Applied Population Lab on why credit union branch location matters, especially for those of modest means.

“Our research reveals that, community-chartered credit unions locate a higher percentage of branches in modest means (71% vs. 66%) and low-income (6% vs. 5%) census tracts compared to banks. Credit unions are doing their part to reduce obstacles to financial inclusion, especially for those of modest means and low-income members,” Salem said.

 

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