Michael Barr, vice chair of supervision at the Fed, plans to re-propose new capital rules for Basel Endgame.After three large regional banks collapsed last year, the industry braced itself for blowback, not only from the public but from a regulatory perspective as well. Since the Great Recession happened roughly 16 years ago, banks have been waiting for the final phase of capital rules.This framework, referred to as Basel III Endgame (BE3), would stipulate a wide set of requirements for the largest banks. T ...

Core Insights - The cost of dining out has increased significantly, with a 4% rise in the past year and an 8.6% increase in the previous year, according to the Consumer Price Index [1] Group 1: Credit Card Options for Dining Rewards - Rewards credit cards can help offset rising food costs, offering substantial annual value for restaurant spending [2] - The American Express® Gold Card provides 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants, with an annual fee of $325 and potential annual credits exceeding $420 [5][7] - The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card offers 4x points at restaurants and a $0 annual fee, making it a strong option for dining out [12][13] - The DoorDash Rewards Mastercard provides 3% cash back on dining and 4% on DoorDash orders, with a $0 annual fee and additional benefits like a free DashPass membership [18][21] - The Chase Freedom Flex® Card offers 3% cash back on dining and the potential for 5% cash back in rotating categories, with a $0 annual fee [24][25] Group 2: Key Features and Benefits - The American Express Gold Card includes various dining credits and is best suited for those who dine out frequently and travel [8][11] - The Capital One Savor Card is noted for its cash-back benefits and no annual fee, appealing to those with significant food and entertainment expenses [13][14] - The U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature® Card offers 4x points on dining with no annual fee, making it a competitive option for everyday spending [37][39] - The Citi Custom Cash® Card automatically rewards 5% cash back in the top eligible spending category, which can be maximized for dining [31][32] Group 3: Considerations for Choosing a Dining Credit Card - The highest rewards rates for restaurant spending are around 4% cash back or 4x points, with cards like the American Express Gold Card and Capital One Savor leading the way [41] - Cards with rotating categories may offer higher rewards but come with restrictions, making them less straightforward for consistent dining rewards [42] - Evaluating the annual fee against potential rewards is crucial to determine the overall value of a dining credit card [44]

Core Insights - The article discusses the best secured credit cards for 2025, highlighting their features, benefits, and suitability for individuals looking to build or improve their credit scores. Group 1: Capital One Quicksilver Secured Credit Card - Offers a $0 annual fee and a 29.74% variable purchase APR [3] - Provides 1.5% unlimited cash back on all eligible purchases [4] - Users can earn back their $200 security deposit as a statement credit with responsible use [6] Group 2: Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card - Requires a minimum refundable security deposit of $49, making it accessible for users [9] - No annual or hidden fees, with a 29.74% variable purchase APR [8] - Users can upgrade to an unsecured card with responsible use [11] Group 3: Self Visa® Credit Card - No credit check required and a minimum deposit of $100 [13] - Annual fee of $0 for the first year, then $25 [14] - Reports activity to all three credit bureaus, aiding in credit building [15] Group 4: Discover it® Secured Credit Card - Offers a $0 annual fee and a welcome offer of cash-back match at the end of the first year [17] - Provides 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants up to $1,000 spent quarterly [20] - Automatic monthly account reviews after seven months for potential upgrade to an unsecured card [20] Group 5: U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Secured Visa® Card - Best for everyday rewards with a $0 annual fee and a 29.24% variable purchase APR [22] - Offers up to 4x points on dining and other common expenses [23] - Users can graduate to a U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card with responsible usage [22] Group 6: Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Card - Allows customization of cash back categories, with a $0 annual fee [26] - Offers 3% cash back in a chosen category and 2% at grocery stores [27] - Periodic reviews for potential deposit return based on responsible usage [26] Group 7: U.S. Bank Cash+® Secured Visa® Card - Provides 5% cash back on two chosen categories each quarter [30] - $0 annual fee and a 29.24% variable purchase APR [29] - Users can graduate to an unsecured card with responsible usage [29] Group 8: Chime Secured Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card - No credit check required and a $0 annual fee [39] - Offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases [40] - Reports activity to all three major credit bureaus, aiding in credit building [41] Group 9: General Information on Secured Credit Cards - Secured credit cards help users build credit with a cash security deposit acting as the credit limit [42] - They are accessible for individuals with limited or poor credit history [43] - Responsible usage can lead to upgrades to unsecured cards and improved credit scores [44]

Core Viewpoint - U.S. Bancorp (USB) has shown strong stock performance, with a 12% increase over the past three months, outperforming the industry and S&P 500, supported by strategic acquisitions and a robust balance sheet [1][2]. Group 1: Financial Performance and Growth - USB's earnings per share estimates for 2024 and 2025 remain unchanged at $3.89 and $4.23, respectively, indicating a decline of 9.74% in 2024 but a rebound of 8.7% in 2025 [1]. - The company has achieved a four-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5% in net interest income (NII) from 2019 to 2023, although NII declined in the first half of 2024 due to rising funding costs [3][4]. - U.S. Bancorp's long-term debt stood at $52.72 billion, with cash and due from banks at $65.83 billion as of June 30, 2024, indicating a strong liquidity position [4]. Group 2: Strategic Initiatives - U.S. Bancorp has made several strategic acquisitions, including Salucro Healthcare Solutions LLC and MUFG Union Bank's core regional banking franchise, enhancing its market position and revenue streams [2]. - The company entered a strategic partnership with Edward Jones to provide comprehensive banking and credit card solutions, further diversifying its offerings [2]. Group 3: Capital and Dividend Strategy - As of June 30, 2024, U.S. Bancorp's capital ratios include a Common Equity Tier 1 ratio of 10.3% and a total risk-based capital ratio of 14%, supporting its capital distribution activities [5]. - The company plans to increase dividends by 2% to 50 cents per share, effective in Q4 2024, reflecting a commitment to stable payouts and boosting investor confidence [5]. Group 4: Market Conditions and Challenges - The Federal Reserve's decision to cut interest rates starting in September is expected to stabilize funding costs for banks, including USB, and encourage borrowing, potentially increasing profitability [3][4]. - Rising non-interest expenses, which saw a CAGR of 10% from 2019 to 2023, remain a concern, particularly due to higher merger costs and technology expenditures [6]. - A significant portion of U.S. Bancorp's loan portfolio, 49.8%, consists of commercial loans, which may face strain in a rapidly changing macroeconomic environment [6].

Core Insights - The article discusses the best USDA lenders for September 2025, highlighting their unique offerings and suitability for different borrower needs [1][2]. Group 1: Best USDA Lenders - **Pennymac** is recognized as the best lender for low interest rates, being the largest U.S. lender of USDA loans and known for offering lower interest rates [2][33]. - **CMG Financial** is noted as the best lender for USDA refinancing, providing a comprehensive downloadable mortgage refinance guide [6][15]. - **Cardinal Financial** stands out for accepting lower credit scores compared to most lenders, making it suitable for borrowers with low credit scores [11][16]. - **CrossCountry Mortgage** is highlighted for its commitment to underserved communities, offering various assistance programs and educational resources [13][22]. - **U.S. Bank** is identified as the best full-service bank for USDA loans, being the largest USDA lender by volume and offering additional banking services [18][23]. Group 2: Loan Details and Requirements - **Pennymac** offers USDA loans with a minimum credit score of 580 for purchase loans and a debt-to-income ratio of 36% [8][9]. - **CMG Financial** requires a minimum credit score of 620 and has a similar debt-to-income ratio requirement [9][10]. - **Cardinal Financial** may accept credit scores as low as 580, but does not provide sample interest rates on its website [16][12]. - **CrossCountry Mortgage** has a minimum credit score requirement of 640 and offers a forgivable grant of up to $6,000 for first-time home buyers [22][23]. - **U.S. Bank** also requires a minimum credit score of 640 and has a median debt-to-income ratio of 36% [23]. Group 3: Loan Types and Features - USDA loans are categorized into **Guaranteed loans**, which are issued by private lenders to moderate-income borrowers, and **Direct loans**, aimed at the most financially vulnerable households [24][25]. - The **Single Family Housing Guaranteed loan** has no loan limit, while the **Direct loan** limit varies by county, with many counties having a limit of $419,300 in 2025 [36][34]. - USDA loans do not require a down payment and have relaxed credit standards, making them accessible to financially vulnerable households [31][35].

Core Insights - U.S. Bancorp's U.S. Bank has entered a strategic partnership with Edward Jones to provide comprehensive banking and credit card solutions to Edward Jones clients, starting in late 2025 [1] - The collaboration aims to enhance clients' financial lives by offering co-branded U.S. Bank deposit and credit card products through Edward Jones' network of over 19,000 financial advisors managing $2 trillion in client assets [1][2] - This partnership aligns with U.S. Bank's strategy to broaden regional reach and improve customer service by providing streamlined access to diverse financial solutions [3] Strategic Efforts - The partnership builds on a previous collaboration since 2012, which involved issuing cards through U.S. Bank's Elan division, now expanding to include new co-branded credit card products with enhanced consumer incentives [2] - U.S. Bank has previously formed alliances, such as with State Farm in 2020, to manage bank and credit card accounts, and with Greenlight in June 2024 to offer advanced banking solutions for families [3] Market Performance - U.S. Bancorp's shares have increased by 10.8% over the past six months, while the industry has seen a growth of 16.7% [4] - Currently, U.S. Bancorp holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [4] Industry Trends - Other financial services firms are also pursuing strategic partnerships, such as Stifel Financial Corp. and Lord Abbett's joint venture in leveraged lending, and T. Rowe Price's partnership with Ascensus to enhance its 529 business [5][6]

U.S. Bancorp’s (USB) lead banking division, U.S. Bank, expands its focus on the healthcare industry with the acquisition of Salucro Healthcare Solutions LLC. The buyout was completed on Aug 21, 2024. The financial terms of the deal were kept under wraps.Based in Tempe, AZ, Salucro is a provider of healthcare financial technology with a primary focus on patient payments and billing. Previously, Salucro had been a partner of Elavon, a subsidiary of U.S. Bank. In 2022, U.S. Bank made its initial investment in ...

VANCOUVER, Wash., Aug. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cyber Acoustics, the leading manufacturer of edtech for all classroom environments, today announced the AC-6014 USB-C Headset, further expanding its line of technology solutions for all K-12 and virtual classrooms. The AC-6014 rounds out Cyber Acoustics’ line of USB-C offerings that includes the recently announced AC-4014 headset and the AC-5014 headset, both of which include microphones, as well as the ACM-6005C USB-C headphones that do not have a mic. “A ...

Core Insights - Cyber Acoustics has launched the AC-6014 USB-C Headset, expanding its technology solutions for K-12 and virtual classrooms [1][2] - The new headset is designed to meet the increasing demand for USB-C products as schools adopt newer devices like iPads and Chromebooks [2] - The AC-6014 features improved durability and user-friendly design based on feedback from educators [2] Product Details - The AC-6014 is part of a broader line of USB-C offerings, which includes the AC4014 and AC-5014 headsets, and the ACM-6005C headphones [1] - Key features of the AC-6014 include a durable headband, in-line volume and mute controls, a tangle-free braided TuffCord, and an easy cord management system [2] - The MSRP for the AC-6014 is set at $21.99, with availability starting in October [3] Sustainability Initiatives - Cyber Acoustics has implemented a no-cost headset recycling program since 2021, allowing schools to recycle broken or unused headsets from any brand [4] - The company has donated over 12,000 pounds of electronics for proper recycling or reuse [4] Company Background - Founded in 1996, Cyber Acoustics specializes in reliable and affordable computer peripherals for various sectors, including education [5] - The product line includes PC speakers, headsets, headphones, microphones, and more, with a focus on sustainability [5]

U.S. Bancorp (USB) stock looks like an attractive investment option now. The company is well-positioned for organic and inorganic growth, given its solid balance sheet and liquidity position, and strategic partnerships and acquisitions. Analysts seem optimistic regarding the earnings growth prospects for this Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) stock. Over the past 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for USB’s 2024 earnings has been revised 1.8% upward. In the past month, shares of USB have gained 3.8% against the indust ...