Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - West Bancorporation Inc. reported a 16% earnings increase over the prior quarter and a 55% increase compared to the third quarter of the previous year [4] - Net income for the third quarter was $9.3 million, up from $8 million in the second quarter and $6 million in the same quarter last year [12] - The net interest margin improved by nine basis points compared to the previous quarter [12] - Loan yield increased to 5.66% from 5.59% in the second quarter and 5.52% in the first quarter of the year [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan outstandings were slightly up at just over $3 billion, with a few larger payoffs from asset sales and refinance activity [8] - Core deposit balances decreased by approximately $82 million in the third quarter, primarily due to normal cash flow fluctuations in core public fund deposits [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Minnesota banking segment is experiencing a slowdown among manufacturing clients due to economic uncertainty, but there are new business opportunities arising from M&A activity in the market [9][10] - The company is focusing on deposit-rich business banking opportunities and has successfully attracted new deposits from high-earning individuals [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is committed to maintaining strong credit quality and has a disciplined approach to loan opportunities, focusing on quality over quantity [6][8] - West Bancorporation aims to leverage its facilities for client engagement and relationship building, which is a key part of its growth strategy [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in maintaining a strong credit quality and expects the margin to benefit from future Fed rate cuts and loan renewal repricing [4][6] - The company anticipates continued loan yield improvement due to fixed-rate assets repricing into higher yields [12] Other Important Information - A quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share was declared, payable on November 19, 2025 [5] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on loan growth pipeline and market share in Minnesota - The pipeline is good but not as robust as in the past due to a more selective approach to credit [18][19] Question: Can mid-single digit growth be funded through deposit gathering? - The objective is to manage cash flows from the investment portfolio and deposit gathering, with some potential need for short-term wholesale funding [22] Question: Update on margin tailwinds and deposit beta assumptions - There are still repricing opportunities in the loan portfolio, but deposit betas may not be as aggressive as in the past due to competitive pressures [23][25] Question: Thoughts on future tax rate - The forward tax rate is expected to be similar to the first half of the year, with the third quarter being an anomaly [27] Question: Capital management and deployment priorities - There are no specific plans, but the focus is on good loan opportunities and organic growth [29] Question: Impact of agricultural distress on the company - The company is somewhat insulated from direct agricultural impacts, as most customers are not specific ag manufacturers [33] Question: Assessment of Minnesota growth venture - The Minnesota growth venture has exceeded expectations and contributes significantly to the company's bottom line [35]

Inflation has been creeping higher from a postpandemic low of 2.3% earlier this year due in part to the highest U.S. tariffs in decades. ...

Bitcoin’s (BTC) short-term momentum took another hit on Wednesday after it reversed all of Monday’s pump, dropping from a high of $114,000 back to the $107,000–$108,000 support zone. The 3.5% pullback has left traders uneasy, with many watching the upcoming U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) data for cues on market direction. The CPI report, originally delayed by the U.S. government shutdown, is now scheduled for October 24. Consensus expectations sit at 3.1%, but after six consecutive months of rising inf ...

Christopher Waller of all people came out recently and he said he's not sure they're going to cut two more times this year although the next one seems pretty assured. Do you think the market has gotten too complacent pricing in two more cuts. >> I do.When I saw that quote it was music to my ears because that's kind of been our view for a while and I think talking about Waller is really important because he's been one of the more doubbish committee members out there and he said beyond October it's a really u ...

Group 1: Japanese Economic Data - Japanese exports increased by 4.2% year-on-year in September, rebounding from a 0.1% decline in August, while imports rose by 3.3% [1] - The rebound in demand is attributed to the US-Japan trade deal, where the US reduced tariffs on Japanese goods to 15% [1] Group 2: US-China Trade Relations - A 155% tariff on Chinese shipments raises concerns about a potential trade war, which could impact the global economy and risk sentiment [2] - US tariff threats are expected to continue influencing market risk appetite [6] Group 3: US Stock Market Sentiment - US stock futures experienced modest declines, with the Dow Jones E-mini falling 16 points and the Nasdaq 100 E-mini dropping 41 points [3] - The market remains focused on the potential for multiple Federal Reserve rate cuts, with probabilities for 25-basis point cuts in October and December at 98.9% and 98.7%, respectively [4] Group 4: Economic Impact of Government Shutdown - The ongoing US government shutdown could lead to more aggressive Fed rate cuts, as the previous shutdown in 2018-2019 reduced GDP by approximately 0.4% [5] - A Senate impasse may delay key economic data reports, which could support expectations for multiple Fed rate cuts [7] Group 5: Technical Analysis of US Indices - Despite morning losses, US stock futures remain above the 50-day and 200-day Exponential Moving Averages, indicating bullish momentum [8] - Key resistance and support levels for the Dow Jones include a record high of 47,334 and support levels at 47,000, 46,750, and 46,500 [8]

Market Overview - Major indices are experiencing upward movement, with the Dow up approximately 300 points, S&P 500 and NASDAQ both up about 0.6% [1][2][3] - Over the past week, all major indices have risen about 12%, indicating a recovery from previous volatility [3] - The VIX index, a measure of market volatility, has decreased from around 28-29 to 22, suggesting reduced market anxiety [5][6] US-China Trade Relations - President Trump has expressed optimism regarding US-China trade talks, stating that threatened tariffs are "not sustainable" [9][10] - Upcoming meetings between US Treasury Secretary and Chinese officials are expected to solidify discussions for a broader trade deal [12][14] - Despite Trump's previous threats of a 100% tariff on China, he has not completely ruled it out, indicating ongoing tensions [13][14] Regional Banks and Credit Quality - Regional banks are showing signs of recovery, with Huntington Bank reporting a 12% year-over-year revenue growth and nearly 20% increase in earnings [109][110] - Credit quality remains stable, with charge-offs reported at 22 basis points, consistent with previous quarters [112] - Concerns about systemic issues in the banking sector are viewed as idiosyncratic, with the overall banking sector remaining strong since the financial crisis [115] Earnings Season Insights - American Express reported better-than-expected earnings, driven by a successful refresh of its platinum card, which saw initial demand exceed expectations [45][46] - CSX railroad company exceeded revenue estimates for Q3, with analysts optimistic about the new CEO's strategic direction [50][52] - The focus on profit margins in Q3 and Q4 is critical, as companies may face challenges in passing tariff costs to consumers [29][30] Cryptocurrency Market Impact - The cryptocurrency market has seen a significant decline, with Bitcoin dropping approximately 12% over the past 10 days, attributed to increased trade tensions and market volatility [103][104][107] - The overall crypto market has shrunk by $600 billion since last Friday, indicating a broader sell-off in risk-on assets [103][104]

🇺🇸 White House Economic Advisor Hassett says 3 Fed rate cuts would be "a good start." https://t.co/IKyDykt0OE ...

JUST IN: 🇺🇸 White House Advisor Hassett says three Fed rate cuts would be "a good start." ...

Currency Market Insights - The U.S. dollar is experiencing a third consecutive daily loss against the euro, while it is slightly increasing against the yen due to ongoing U.S.-China tensions and dovish comments from Federal Reserve officials [1] - The dollar index is down 0.05% at 98.64, indicating a potential weekly decline of around 0.3% [2] - U.S. Treasury yields are near multi-week lows, with the benchmark 10-year yield just above 4%, which is putting pressure on the dollar amid concerns over a prolonged U.S. government shutdown [3] Rare Earths and Trade Relations - Investors are closely monitoring China's recent expansion of rare earth export controls, which has been criticized by U.S. officials for potentially disrupting global supply chains [5] - There is speculation that China's export controls may be a bargaining tactic to gain concessions from the U.S. [5] - The escalation in Sino-U.S. trade tensions is prompting reactions from European governments, highlighting the potential impact on global supply chains and European output [6] European Political Developments - The euro reached a one-week high, increasing by 0.09% to $1.1651, following the survival of French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu in a no-confidence vote [7]

Currency Market Dynamics - The U.S. dollar is experiencing a third consecutive daily loss against the euro while slightly increasing against the yen, influenced by U.S.-China tensions and dovish comments from Federal Reserve officials [1] - U.S. Treasury yields are near multi-week lows, with the benchmark 10-year yield just above 4%, contributing to pressure on the dollar amid concerns over a prolonged U.S. government shutdown [2][3] - The dollar index, which measures the greenback against six other currencies, decreased by 0.05% to 98.63, indicating a potential weekly decline of around 0.3% [3] Rare Earths and Trade Relations - Investors are closely monitoring China's recent expansion of rare earth export controls, which has drawn criticism from U.S. officials and raised concerns about potential disruptions to global supply chains [4] - The situation is viewed as possibly a bargaining tactic by China to gain concessions from the U.S., according to market analysts [4] Australian Dollar and Economic Indicators - The Australian dollar remained stable at $0.6511 following data that showed unemployment reached a near four-year high in September, reinforcing the case for interest rate cuts [6] - The Australian dollar has been volatile due to trade tensions, while traditional safe-haven assets have gained [6] - China's yuan strengthened to a two-week high against the U.S. dollar after the central bank set its strongest daily midpoint in a year [6]