The U.S. economy,
explained plainly

SBA 7(a) rates run 9.0%–11.5% in June 2026 based on a prime rate of 6.75%. See exact rates by loan size, how SBA 504 loans offer a fixed-rate alternative at 5.5–6.5%, and whether to borrow now or wait.

Average credit card APR hit 21% in 2026. Here's how to choose the right business card, when rewards make sense vs. not, and the one rule that protects your margins at any rate environment.

Commercial mortgages run 7.5%–10% at most banks in 2026. But SBA 504 loans lock in a fixed rate around 5.5–6.5% with just 10% down. Here's how to compare your options and what to expect in underwriting.

The FOMC meets June 16–17 under new Chair Kevin Warsh. With inflation at 4.2% and a rate hike now on the table, the dot plot and press conference will shape borrowing costs for the rest of 2026. Here's what to watch and what to do.

WTI oil at $95/barrel, 10-year Treasury at 4.55%, CPI at 4.17% YoY. The G7 Iran deal is the weekend's binary event — here's what a Sunday night oil move means for your fuel costs, freight rates, and borrowing strategy heading into next week.

Retail sales rose 0.49% in April while CPI inflation holds at 4.17% YoY and WTI crude sits at $95/barrel. What the June 2026 economic outlook means for your costs, customers, and borrowing.

The prime rate is 6.75% and inflation is running at 4.2%. Here's how elevated rates hit your borrowing costs, your customers, and your cash strategy — and the four moves that make the most difference right now.

S&P 500 flat, Dow +0.5%, Nasdaq -0.5% as US-Iran peace deal signals at G7 ease oil fears. Treasury yield rose to 4.55%. What the afternoon close means for your borrowing costs and input prices.

May's CPI came in at 4.2% annually — the highest since April 2023 — driven by a 40.5% surge in gasoline prices tied to Middle East oil disruptions. With the Fed meeting next week under new Chair Kevin Warsh, here's what it means for your costs and borrowing.

CPI inflation at 4.17% YoY, oil at $95/barrel, Fed rate at 3.63%. What the numbers mean for your borrowing costs, input costs, and consumer demand.

The 2025–2026 tariff regime is the biggest shift in U.S. trade policy in decades. Broad tariffs on Chinese imports (54–145%), steel at 25%, and ongoing USMCA tensions are hitting retailers, construction firms, and manufacturers hardest. Here's what to do.

The prime rate is 8.50% and the Fed isn't cutting until inflation falls further. Here are five practical moves — from converting variable debt to fixed, to opening a business HYSA at 4.92%, to renegotiating vendor terms — to protect your margins now.

The FOMC voted 11–1 to hold rates steady. The hiking cycle is over — but the dot plot shows just one cut expected in 2026, likely in September. Here's the plain-English breakdown of what this means for business loans, cash strategy, and the year ahead.

Three recession warning signals are flashing: inverted yield curve, ISM PMI at 48.7 (contraction), and GDP growth slowing to 2.1%. But unemployment is 3.9% and consumers are still spending. Here's what the data actually says about recession risk.

With the 10-year Treasury yield at 4.32% and the Fed holding rates steady, mortgage rates are sitting around 6.8–7.1% on a 30-year fixed. We break down exactly what that means if you're thinking about buying, refinancing, or waiting.

When the Fed rate is 5.25%, where you keep your business cash matters more than ever. We compared the top business checking and high-yield savings accounts on fees, yield, and features small businesses actually use.

The Federal Reserve has held rates at 5.25% for months. If you're thinking about a small business loan, line of credit, or SBA financing, here's exactly how the Fed rate affects what you'll pay — and what to do about it.

The monthly jobs report moves markets and shapes Fed policy — but most small business owners never read it. Here's a plain-English guide to the numbers that actually matter and what they mean for hiring, wages, and your bottom line.

CPI — the Consumer Price Index — is the most widely-cited inflation measure in the United States. When it's high, the Fed raises rates. When it falls, rates follow. Here's how it works and how to use it to make smarter business decisions.

The 10-year Treasury yield just hit 4.32%, its highest level in months. If you've ever wondered why people talk about bond yields constantly and what it has to do with your mortgage, credit card rate, or business loan, this is for you.