Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income of $109.8 million or $1.6 per diluted share in the second quarter, a notable 21% increase year-over-year [10] - Return on assets (ROA) improved to 1.65%, and return on tangible common equity rose to 15.8% [11] - Efficiency ratio improved to 51.63% from 52.83% in the previous quarter, indicating better operating leverage [10][11] - Tangible book value per share increased to $41.32, reflecting a strong 15.5% annualized growth [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan growth was primarily driven by commercial and industrial (C&I) loans, with a total loan production of $1.9 billion, up from $1.5 billion in the previous quarter [16] - Non-interest income increased by approximately $4.9 million, largely due to a 36% growth in mortgage production [14] - Total non-interest expense rose by $4.2 million, mainly due to higher salaries and employee benefits related to increased mortgage production [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Non-interest bearing deposits grew over 3% annualized, increasing their share to 31% of total deposits from 30.8% in the previous quarter [17] - The company experienced a seasonal decline in cyclical municipal deposits, offset by an increase in broker deposits [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on organic growth, with plans to utilize excess capital for growth opportunities, stock buybacks, and dividends [28][29] - Management emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong core deposit base and leveraging growth in attractive Southeastern markets [9][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for the remainder of 2025 and into 2026, citing a robust margin, strong capital, and liquidity [9] - There is a cautious but positive outlook on loan growth, with expectations for mid-single-digit growth in loans and deposits [18] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately $12.8 million in common stock during the quarter [11] - The provision for credit losses was $2.8 million, with reserves remaining strong at 162% of loans [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan growth trends and competition - Management noted a resurgence in loan activity and expected third-quarter activity to be similar to the second quarter, with increased competition [24][25] Question: Future growth opportunities and capital deployment - The company plans to focus on organic growth first, with stock buybacks and dividends as secondary options, while being cautious about M&A [27][29] Question: Deposit growth and margin outlook - Management indicated that deposit growth would continue, with a focus on non-interest bearing deposits, and anticipated some pressure on deposit costs [44][46] Question: Mortgage segment trends and capacity - The company is prepared for a potential refinancing wave and has the capacity to handle increased production without needing additional hires [66][67] Question: Overall competitive landscape and charge-offs - Management observed increased competition beyond pricing, with a focus on treasury management and deposit growth [55][56]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income of $18.3 million or $0.67 per diluted share, with a return on average assets of 1% and return on average equity of 13.04% [12] - Net interest income increased by 3.6% quarter over quarter to $59.8 million, with net interest margin expanding by 13 basis points to 3.44% [13] - Total other operating income was $13 million, reflecting a $1.9 million increase quarter over quarter [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The loan portfolio slightly declined to $5.29 billion, with growth in construction and consumer loans, while other categories saw declines [10] - Total deposits were $6.54 billion, also showing a slight decline from the prior quarter, but with a favorable shift towards noninterest-bearing deposits [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Hawaii's construction industry showed solid performance with completed construction reaching $14 billion in 2024, with steady growth expected in 2025 [6] - Visitor arrivals in Hawaii were up 2.8% year to date, with total visitor spending increasing by 6.5% compared to the prior year [7] - The unemployment rate in Hawaii remained low at 2.8%, outperforming the national rate of 4.1% [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to deepen customer relationships and grow market share in Hawaii, select Mainland markets, and Asia, targeting low single-digit growth for loans and deposits in 2025 [10] - The focus remains on managing the cost of funds while growing core deposits in a competitive environment [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management maintains a cautiously optimistic outlook for Hawaii's economy, acknowledging potential headwinds but emphasizing sound fundamental economic drivers [9] - The company is confident in its core business environment and sees opportunities ahead despite a muted loan growth in the first half of 2025 [10] Other Important Information - The effective tax rate was 23.5% in the second quarter, expected to remain between 22% and 24% [14] - The company repurchased approximately 103,000 shares of common stock at a total cost of $2.6 million [14] - A quarterly cash dividend of $0.27 per share was declared, payable on September 15 [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Growth trends and client demand - Management noted that loan growth was muted in the first half but expects a robust pipeline and strong net loan growth in July, contributing to revenue growth in the second half [25][27] Question: Competition in the market - Competition remains average in the Hawaii banking market, with no significant changes in strategy from competitors [30] Question: Non-interest bearing deposit growth - The company is focused on growing low-cost core deposits through relationship management and prospecting, which has shown early success [34] Question: Expense run rate and investments - The near-term guidance for total other operating expenses is projected to be between $43.5 million and $44.5 million per quarter, excluding one-time impacts [37] Question: Credit quality and concerns - Management indicated that the uptick in credit metrics is not systemic and that expected losses remain within risk appetite, with no anticipated losses from downgraded loans [40][41]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - West Bancorporation reported a net income of $8 million for Q2 2025, an increase from $7.8 million in Q1 2025 and $5.2 million in Q2 2024, indicating a year-over-year improvement of approximately 54% in first half earnings [4][19] - The loan portfolio yield improved to 5.59% in Q2 2025 from 5.52% in Q1 2025, reflecting the benefits of asset repricing [20] - Core deposit balances increased by approximately $195 million in Q2 2025, contributing to a reduction in brokered funding by about $127 million [18][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan outstandings decreased slightly to just under $3 billion, attributed to larger payoffs from asset sales and refinancing activities [11][12] - Deposit balances increased by over $67 million during the quarter, with a focus on attracting new depositors [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The commercial real estate portfolio is improving, with a loan-to-value ratio of 65% and a debt service coverage ratio of 1.35 times [9] - The office property market in Des Moines is facing challenges, with significant vacancy issues affecting the overall market [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on relationship building and deposit growth, with an emphasis on maintaining strong asset quality [5][9] - There are ongoing efforts to attract high-value retail deposits and business banking opportunities, particularly in the Minnesota market [14][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the pipeline for loan growth, indicating a robust number of projects and opportunities despite some headwinds from payoffs [22] - The company anticipates margin improvement in the second half of the year due to continued asset repricing [23][24] Other Important Information - The company declared a dividend of $0.25 per share, payable on August 20, 2025, with a current stock yield exceeding 5% [5] Q&A Session Summary Question: Client sentiment and loan growth pipeline outlook - Management noted a robust pipeline with many projects and opportunities to maintain and grow the loan portfolio [22] Question: Margin trajectory in the second half of the year - Management sees potential for margin improvement due to asset repricing, regardless of Fed rate cuts [23][24] Question: Opportunities for hiring and expanding in northern markets - There are opportunities in the marketplace, especially due to M&A activity and larger banks abandoning regional centers [25] Question: Deposit growth opportunities in the second half of the year - The focus remains on growing deposit relationships alongside credit relationships [27] Question: Expense run rate for the second half of the year - The second quarter's expense run rate is expected to be a good indicator for the second half, with no significant items anticipated [28]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an EPS of $0.83 and net income of $32 million, with a return on assets (ROA) of 1.32% and a pre-provision net revenue (PPNR) of 1.73% [8][19] - Net interest income increased by $3.3 million, or 3.9%, compared to the first quarter, with a net interest margin (NIM) expansion to 3.88%, up seven basis points [14][18] - Total assets exceeded $9.8 billion, driven by a 5% increase in loans [6][8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Annualized loan growth was just over 5%, amounting to $98 million in Q2, primarily driven by commercial real estate balances, which increased by $58 million [9][10] - The mortgage and home equity businesses contributed a combined net growth of $26 million [10] - Customer deposit growth was $28 million, or 1.42% annualized, with non-interest bearing deposits representing 28% of total deposits [11][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company maintained a stable allowance for credit losses at 1.24% of total loans, with non-performing assets (NPAs) remaining low [12][39] - The competitive landscape varies geographically, with the company maintaining significant market share in its core markets while being a disruptor in Ohio [64] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on organic growth, with a clear path to reach $10 billion in total assets through loan growth and strategic initiatives [6][19] - There is an ongoing emphasis on improving asset quality and maintaining a solid deposit mix, with a disciplined approach to potential inorganic growth opportunities [5][6] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about future loan growth, expecting to maintain a mid to high single-digit growth rate for the remainder of the year [25][50] - The company is actively monitoring the impact of economic changes and tariffs but has not seen significant adverse effects on growth [12][39] Other Important Information - The company added four new commercial bankers to enhance its commercial and industrial (C&I) lending efforts [10][53] - The tangible common equity (TCE) ratio increased by 18 basis points, positioning the company well for growth opportunities [18][19] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the outlook for funding costs and loan growth? - Management indicated that successful deposit raising efforts could offset some pressure on margins, but growth might be slightly lower than the current NIM of 3.88% [23] Question: Can you clarify the potential upside in a higher for longer interest rate environment? - Management noted that benefits from repricing on loans and securities could yield a couple of basis points of upside, but it would not be significant [24] Question: What is the company's strategy regarding M&A? - Management confirmed that building long-term relationships is critical, and they are optimistic about participating in M&A as market uncertainty decreases [29] Question: How does the company view its credit quality and reserves? - Management aims to stabilize non-performing loans (NPLs) and maintain low charge-offs, with reserves currently at 1.24% of loans [39][42] Question: What is the expected impact of crossing the $10 billion asset threshold? - The Durbin hit is estimated between $6 million and $7 million annually, but the company has built infrastructure to manage this without significant additional expenses [43][56] Question: What are the primary drivers of loan growth in the second half of the year? - Management highlighted consistent growth across various business lines, particularly in commercial real estate and home equity, with a focus on maintaining strong pipelines [50][51]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income of $133 million or $0.22 per diluted share, compared to $106 million and $0.18 in the previous quarter, reflecting solid momentum in net interest income and non-interest income [4] - Adjusted net income was $134 million or $0.23 per share, up from $106 million on both reported and adjusted basis a quarter ago [4] - Profitability ratios, including return on average assets and return on tangible shareholders' equity, continue to trend higher and are on track to meet full year guidance [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core deposit growth was $600 million, driven by growth in commercial non-interest bearing deposits and promotional CD offerings [14] - Non-interest income has grown at a 12% annual rate since 2017, more than double the pace of peers, with a significant improvement in the composition of that income [9][20] - C&I loan growth was particularly strong, with over $700 million growth, primarily from fund finance and healthcare verticals [50] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has added over 105,000 new deposit accounts, contributing to approximately 8% core deposit growth [6] - The geographic footprint combined with specialty verticals like healthcare and fund finance has provided flexibility and scale [8] - The CRE concentration ratio has declined to 349% from 474% at the end of 2023, surpassing year-end targets ahead of schedule [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on deposit growth and funding transformation, with a deliberate investment in talent, technology, and targeted market penetration [6][10] - The strategic imperatives aim to transform Valley into a more diversified, efficient, and valuable institution, with a focus on capital markets, treasury management, and tax credit advisory offerings [10] - The company recognizes a disconnect between the quality of its franchise and the valuation of its shares, believing that continued execution of its strategy will close that gap over time [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management anticipates continued net interest margin expansion driven by asset repricing and stable deposit pricing [27][28] - The outlook for loan growth is approximately 3% for the year, with net interest income growth estimates refined to a range of 8% to 10% [13] - Management expressed confidence in the credit outlook, expecting further normalization and a decline in provision and charge-offs throughout the year [22] Other Important Information - The company has grown cumulative tangible book value with dividends over 105% during the CEO's tenure, approximately 15% greater than the peer median [11] - The company remains extremely well capitalized relative to its risk profile, with ample flexibility to support strategic objectives [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you speak to the ability to maintain deposit pricing given competitive nature and growth outlook? - Management anticipates margin will increase as the year progresses, driven by asset repricing and stability on the deposit side [27][28] Question: Can you provide comments about new non-accrual formation in the quarter? - The increase in delinquencies was driven by three credits, with two already cleared and the remaining expected to be resolved soon [51][52] Question: How is the competitive landscape in the technology and software sector affecting the company? - The company has built infrastructure to leverage its position in the technology sector, particularly through the acquisition of a team with strong market connections [39][40] Question: What are the expectations for loan growth in 2026? - While specific guidance for 2026 has not been provided, management anticipates low single-digit growth in CRE and overall loan growth could be closer to 5% [77]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net income of $56.4 million for Q2 2025, an increase of $17 million or 43% from the previous year, with a return on assets of 1.23% and an efficiency ratio of 54% [4][5] - Year-to-date net income totaled $111.2 million, up $24.3 million or 28% from the first half of 2024, with earnings per share increasing by 30% to $1.92 [5] - The tangible common equity ratio stands at 8.92%, above the target level, providing optimal capital flexibility [5][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Commercial loan growth was strong, with $262 million for the quarter and $430 million year-to-date, reflecting over 10% annualized growth [8][19] - The consumer segment also contributed with $36 million in loan growth for the quarter, driven by residential mortgage and HELOC [9] - Total revenues in Q2 increased significantly, with net interest income rising by $2.7 million and non-interest income by $1.3 million [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced balanced loan growth across its portfolio, with a $298 million increase quarter-over-quarter, representing a 9.2% annualized growth [19] - The Midwest economies are expanding, contributing to the growth in client businesses and new relationships [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on commercial growth across its primary markets of Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio, with a strategy emphasizing organic growth before considering mergers and acquisitions [7][25] - The company has been selective in M&A, focusing on organic growth while monitoring potential acquisition opportunities [25][54] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about maintaining loan growth and increasing market share activities through the third quarter, despite competitive deposit dynamics [9][16] - The company anticipates modest margin compression in the latter half of the year due to rising deposit costs, but expects to continue growing net interest income [29][62] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $22.1 million worth of shares in the quarter, totaling $31.7 million year-to-date [5] - The total cost of deposits increased by seven basis points to 2.3%, reflecting competitive pressures in the market [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Margin outlook and funding cost pressures - Management indicated that deposit costs have risen due to strong loan growth, leading to expectations of modest margin compression in the latter half of the year [29][62] Question: Loan growth sustainability - Management confirmed that the current loan growth is core and driven by direct client needs, with some pull-through from earlier in the year due to tariff considerations [30][31] Question: Wealth management fees and total fee income outlook - Management expects non-interest income to grow in the mid-single digits in the latter half of the year, with wealth management fees remaining a primary driver [38][39] Question: Technology upgrades benefits - Management highlighted improvements in internal technology that enhance operational efficiency and customer service, contributing to future growth [40][44] Question: Capital deployment strategy - The company plans to use a third of its earnings for balance sheet growth, a third for dividends, and the remaining third for other capital activities, including share repurchases and potential acquisitions [49][50] Question: Credit and provision outlook - Management indicated that the current provision level is appropriate for anticipated growth, with adjustments based on macroeconomic forecasts [85] Question: Fixed rate loan repricing - Management noted that approximately $200 million of fixed-rate loans will reprice in the back half of 2025, with expectations for similar levels in the following year [103][104]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net income of $56.4 million for Q2 2025, an increase of $17 million or 43% from the previous year, with a return on assets of 1.23% and an efficiency ratio of 54% [4][5] - Year-to-date net income totaled $111.2 million, up $24.3 million or 28% from the first half of 2024, with earnings per share increasing to $1.92, a rise of $0.44 or 30% [5] - The tangible common equity ratio stands at 8.92%, above the target level, providing optimal capital flexibility [5][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Commercial loan growth was strong, with $262 million for the quarter, representing over 10% annualized growth, and $430 million year-to-date, at 9% annualized [7] - The consumer segment contributed $36 million in loan growth for the quarter, driven by residential mortgage, HELOC, and private banking relationships [8] - Total revenues in Q2 increased, with net interest income growing by $2.7 million and non-interest income by $1.3 million [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The commercial segment was the primary driver of deposit growth, contributing $347 million in total deposits for the quarter [9] - Non-maturity deposit balances increased by $108 million year-to-date, indicating a focus on low-cost deposit categories [11] - The total cost of deposits rose by seven basis points to 2.3%, reflecting competitive deposit dynamics [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company maintains a commercially focused strategy across all business segments, primarily in Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio [6] - There is a strong emphasis on organic growth, with selective mergers and acquisitions considered only when beneficial [26] - The company is focused on enhancing its technology infrastructure to improve operational efficiency and customer service [44][48] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about maintaining loan growth and increasing market share, supported by a strong pipeline [8][20] - The company anticipates modest margin compression in the latter half of the year due to rising deposit costs and competitive pressures [31][64] - The outlook for non-interest income is expected to grow in the mid-single digits for the second half of the year [42] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $22.1 million worth of shares in the quarter, totaling $31.7 million year-to-date [5] - The allowance for credit losses was $195.3 million, with a coverage ratio of 1.47, reflecting improvements in non-performing loans [15][19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Margin outlook and funding costs - Management noted that deposit costs have risen due to strong loan growth, leading to expectations of modest margin compression in the second half of the year [31][64] Question: Loan growth sustainability - Management views the current loan growth as core and driven by direct client needs, with some pull-through effects from earlier in the year [32][33] Question: Wealth management fees and total fee income outlook - Non-interest income is expected to grow in the mid-single digits, with wealth management fees remaining flat year-over-year [42][43] Question: Technology upgrades benefits - The company has implemented internal technology improvements to enhance efficiency and customer service, with positive early results [44][48] Question: Capital deployment strategy - The company plans to use a third of earnings for balance sheet growth, a third for dividends, and the remaining third for other capital activities, including share repurchases and potential acquisitions [53] Question: Credit and provision outlook - Management indicated that the current provision level is appropriate for anticipated growth, with adjustments made based on macroeconomic forecasts [86]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a loan growth of 10.1% in the first half of the year, exceeding the initial guidance of high single digits, and has increased the full-year guidance to a range of 11% to 13% [31][32] - Deposit costs were reported at 3.68% in June, slightly down from 3.7% for the quarter, indicating a stabilization in deposit costs [24][25] - The weighted average loan to value (LTV) has increased by 2% from 43% to 45% due to recent appraisals [74] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Corporate and Institutional Banking (CIB) segment has been the largest contributor to growth year-to-date, with expectations for continued strong growth in Q3 and Q4 [27][28] - The Real Estate Specialty Group (RESG) is expected to face headwinds due to increased prepayments, with significant paydowns observed in the first half of the year [30][31] - The company has opened 11 branches so far this year and plans to open about 25 branches next year, contributing to growth in deposits and loans [8][9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is experiencing a broad-based range of payoffs across product types and geographies, with significant paydowns in multifamily and mixed-use properties [30][37] - The life sciences sector is showing signs of increased leasing activity, although the overall sector has been muted [78] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a growth and diversification strategy, aiming to grow RESG while also expanding CIB and other business lines [59][62] - The CIB segment is expected to accelerate growth, with strong pipelines and new business lines being developed [49][90] - The company is cautious about M&A opportunities, maintaining a high bar for evaluating potential acquisitions while emphasizing organic growth [16][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about loan growth in the second half of the year, despite anticipated prepayments in RESG [31][32] - The company is seeing a positive trend in credit performance within the CIB segment, with a focus on high-quality transactions [106][112] - Management noted that the current economic environment presents challenges but also opportunities for growth and expansion [60][61] Other Important Information - The company has seen a significant increase in hiring, with 109 new full-time employees added in the quarter, primarily in branch operations and CIB [6][11] - The company is actively managing its loan portfolio, with a focus on maintaining quality and mitigating risks associated with higher LTVs [42][112] Q&A Session Summary Question: Composition of new hires related to production and NRG team - Management indicated that new hires were broadly spread across the company, with significant additions in branch operations and CIB [6][8] Question: Impact of M&A activity on talent acquisition - Management noted that M&A activity could create opportunities for acquiring high-quality talent, but emphasized that their reputation and culture are key drivers for attracting talent [14][15] Question: Expectations for near-term deposit growth and costs - Management stated that deposit costs are expected to remain stable until the Fed makes changes, and they have the capacity to grow deposits within the current branch network [25][26] Question: Loan growth outlook for the back half of the year - Management expects continued strong growth from CIB, while RESG may face headwinds due to increased prepayments [27][28] Question: Drivers behind recent paydowns in RESG - Management explained that paydowns are driven by various factors, including refinancing opportunities and property sales [36][37] Question: Insights into life sciences asset class trends - Management reported increased leasing activity in the life sciences sector, although the overall sector remains muted [78][79] Question: Special mention loans increase - Management indicated that the increase in special mention loans is part of the normal ebb and flow of loan risk ratings and negotiations [80][81]

Financial Performance - Reported PPNR was $370.1 million[4] - Net income applicable to common shareholders was $251.7 million[4] - Diluted EPS reached $1.52[4] - ROAA stood at 1.29%[4, 5] - ROATCE was 17.96%[4, 5] Balance Sheet Highlights - Loans increased by $0.6 billion, a 1.2% LQ increase[5] - Excluding loans moved to held for sale, loan growth would have been $0.9 billion, or 1.6%[5, 14] - Total deposits grew by $0.7 billion, representing a 1.1% LQ increase[5] - TBVPS grew 3.4% to $35.13 LQ[5] - Total loans as a % of earning assets is 73%[83] Key Ratios - The loan-to-deposit ratio was 80.9%[5, 7] - The efficiency ratio improved to 45.4%, down 0.4% LQ[5] - CET1 was 11.33%[5, 7] - TCE was 7.46%[5, 7] Loan Portfolio - Total loans reached $53.672 billion[7] - Commercial loans totaled $42.652 billion[7] - Consumer loans amounted to $11.020 billion[7] - C&I loans increased by $420 million LQ, or 3.0%, reaching $14.232 billion[11] - CRE decreased by $44 million LQ, or -0.2%, reaching $21.111 billion[11] Deposit Portfolio - Total deposits reached $66.314 billion[7] - Transactional deposits totaled $19.164 billion[7] - Healthcare Financial Services deposits were $10.180 billion[7] - interSYNC deposits were $8.719 billion[16] - Ametros accounts were $1.115 billion[16] Net Interest Income and Margin - Net interest income totaled $621.2 million, up $9.0 million or 1.5% LQ[21, 26] - Net interest margin was 3.44%, down 4 bps LQ[5, 21] Commercial Real Estate Portfolio - The commercial real estate portfolio totaled $18.8 billion[57, 61] - Classified loans were 3.9%[57]

Financial Performance & Guidance - Bank of America maintained its net interest income (NII) guidance despite better-than-expected loan growth and fewer expected rate cuts [1] - Bank of America's net interest income (NII) reached $148 billion in the current quarter [3] - Bank of America projects net interest income (NII) to be between $155 billion and $157 billion by the fourth quarter [3] - Bank of America anticipates a 6-7% increase in net interest income (NII) this year compared to last year, with momentum carrying into 2026 [5] Growth Drivers - Bank of America experienced 7% loan growth and 4% deposit growth over the last 12 months [4] - Bank of America emphasizes disciplined deposit and loan pricing as contributing factors to net interest income (NII) growth [4] Macroeconomic Perspective - An independent Federal Reserve (Fed) is crucial for the stability of the global economy, particularly for a large economy like the United States with over $30 trillion in debt [8][9] - A stable central bank is very important because of the size of the US economy [8]