Where thought finds leadership

Though small business payments levels remain strong, small businesses are pulling back on spending and slowing hiring.

Residual pent-up demand for cruises and international trips is helping drive ongoing travel spending.

Beyond student loans and grants, 529s remain a significant way to pay for education. We discuss five contribution trends. 

While this cohort’s spending lagged the average over the pandemic, there are signs of a catch-up at the start of 2023.

While spending was no slam dunk due to weaker wage growth and lower tax refunds, consumers continue to have financial buffers.

The recent decline in gig workers is driven by lower demand for deliveries and a rotation into traditional labor markets.

Despite concerns of tighter lending, small businesses saw little disruption to their operations in March.

Consumers are returning to social leisure activities post-pandemic, but will inflation threaten their good time?

While not a beneficiary of domestic migration like the South, Midwestern cities stand out for consumer goods spending growth.

Consumer spending growth decelerated in February, but continues to be supported by positive fundamentals.

Exploring city-level housing data to uncover the factors driving an increase in rent and mortgage payments across the Southern US.

Higher operational costs are squeezing small business profits, though resilient consumer spending provides some relief.

Seniors are spending at a faster pace, supported by the historic increase in social security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).

Who are the more than 2 million workers who haven’t returned to the labor force and what has happened to them?

Consumer spending strengthened in January supported by stronger labor income, but the less affluent still face more challenges.

Despite slowing revenues, payments to small business hiring firms remain robust.

While auto sales struggled in 2022 amidst supply snarls, there’s light at the end of the tunnel.

Consumer spending in cities appears to have lagged the overall U.S., with remote work and population loss driving the shift.

After a solid year, the consumer may feel the weight of 2023, but for now they are heading to the gym in OK financial shape.

Small business hiring continues to moderate, though payroll payments remained more resilient for firms with lower revenues.

Let’s get this party started . . . a look back at our top charts of 2022

Strong demand for lodging this holiday season prompts payroll and revenue growth for these small businesses.

Consumers have proven resilient in 2022. While spending is slowing, they are starting 2023 in good financial shape.

Job losses this year have had a larger impact on consumer savings and discretionary spending than in the prior years.

Manufacturing faces cyclical downward pressure in the near term; autos and on-shoring should provide a longer term support.

High food inflation is eating up discretionary spending and causing some consumers to adjust where they shop for groceries.

Pent-up demand for cars may help offset weaker discretionary spending, but the current road into the holidays looks bumpy.

Businesses are increasing borrowing as rent rises.

Savings buffers are still relatively high, though it appears low-income households are beginning to tap into their savings.

Our data confirms the U.S. housing market is slowing, which may be a drag on discretionary spending, especially for renters.

Bank of America data shows a slowing housing market, with affordability stretched for both owner-occupiers and renters.

Small businesses continue to rely on financial buffers despite inflationary pressures.

Pent-up demand and a strong US dollar drives increased growth of international spending beyond summer peak.

Bank of America data shows a continued rise in key utility bills, with near-term reprieve unlikely.

Small business travel and strength in payroll payments persist amid signs of cautious optimism.

Consumers are heading into the fall with solid spending and financial buffers. However, utility bills are taking a toll.

Bank of America data shows that the on-demand work remains elevated, but it is not yet displacing traditional jobs.

The federal student loan announcement has the potential to benefit a significant number of households. Who sees the most impact?

In response to budget surpluses, many states have been cutting taxes. Cuts aimed at gas prices appear to be benefitting consumers.

While discretionary spending slows for high-income consumers, the story differs across expense categories. 

As rent prices soar, younger and middle income consumers feeling the most pressure

Small business payments continue to grow in July with strong card spending and payroll payments.

Bank of America card data suggests back to school season kicked off on a strong footing despite concerns about consumer spending.

Consumers feel relief from lowering gas prices, but many are feeling squeezed from rising rents.

The U.S. housing market has reached a turning point with both home sales and home-related spending.

The pandemic saw a rise in remote work. Coffee store sales suggest this has not completely unwound.

Retail inventories are rising across all sectors, but only general merchandise retailers are overstocked. 

Rising expenses will impact people differently, based on their income & spending. We take a look at who has the thinnest margins.

The “holiday bump” in spending was smaller this year than in the prior years, but international retail spending remains strong.

Small businesses continue to spend, especially on travel and payroll, despite inflationary pressure.

The post summer outlook is unclear as crosswinds impact consumers, but balance sheets are still in good shape. 

Following sharp declines in crypto markets, our data shows a declining appetite for crypto.

We take a historic look at what discretionary spending households tend to cut during an economic downturn.

Over the pandemic millions of people left the labor force. We investigate whether people decided to retire early.

Middle income consumers are getting hit the hardest by inflation, but real spending on services remains robust.

International travel for U.S. consumers is picking up again, with European countries gaining popularity

Payroll expense per client is up strongly, on the back of increased employment and higher wages.

As we hunt for bearish signs in our data, we are struck by strong momentum in services spending and elevated household deposits

Americans are looking for flexibility in retirement options. Many plan to work and save longer, aided by changes in Washington DC 

How important has biodiversity become? We walk through ten key points to better understand its growing impact.

As the Earth warms, challenges hinder efforts to tackle climate change. We outline obstacles to the energy transition.

As mounting inflationary pressures disproportionately impact women, can company benefits help “inflation-proof” their wallets?

A slower labor market recovery for women-intensive sectors has inhibited progress towards closing the workforce gender gap.

After facing significant challenges, where do nonprofits stand and what investments are needed to secure their long-term futures?

The mission-driven purpose that defines CDFIs will help them address lingering inequities in the financial markets.

Higher income consumers drive Electric Vehicle charging demand amidst changing oil prices and increased government funding.

The world is a different place from where it was a year ago. We answer 12 questions about Net Zero and what to expect at COP27.

A recent study explores Gen Z’s approach to money – from financial priorities and behaviors to motivations and barriers.

To win the war for talent, employers must do their part in fostering workplaces that enable neurodivergent employees to thrive.

Companies are in a race to net zero and BofA Global Research analysts say more than 9 out of 10 have a clear plan to get there.

A recent study uncovers unique motivators, priorities and challenges facing the Asian American Pacific Islander Community.

As US healthcare spend continues to grow, value-based care could curb the costs and result in better patient outcomes.

As artificial intelligence quickly moves toward mass adoption, we answer 10 questions to help navigate the basics.

Digital strategies are driving real-world productivity gains with the potential to reduce manufacturing costs by 25%.

As the space economy continues to grow, a robust and competitive commercial space sector is vital to continued progress.

A new study highlights how labor market inequalities can lead women to accumulate less assets over their working life.

Shifting perspectives on wealth may have implications for individuals, families, nonprofits, business owners and the economy as a whole.

Employers continue to embrace and expand programs for their employees in response to increased stress.

From clean energy to healthcare, who benefits?

How the case for corporate reshoring continues to strengthen. 

The developing crypto-native ecosystem is accelerating the way in which digital assets are disrupting traditional industries

As scarcity accelerates, we identified 10 transformative thematic solutions and $8tn of market cap in enablers.