Wisconsin Banks See Stable State Economy

Jan 22 - Ninety-eight percent of the banks that responded to the latest Wisconsin Bankers Association Bank CEO Economic Conditions Survey classified the current health of the state’s economy as “good” or “fair.” This rating confirms the prediction made by the same survey conducted in June last year, when 50 percent of respondents said they expected the state’s economy to grow. Data from the bank executives who completed the survey reflects slow, yet steady progress in the health of the banking industry and Wisconsin’s economy.

“The role bankers play in their communities gives them a unique perspective on the economy to offer,” said Rose Oswald Poels, WBA president and CEO. “Wisconsin’s economy is getting stronger.”

The most recent survey also indicates current loan demand for residential real estate is strong, rated as “good” or “excellent” by 53 percent of respondents. Growth in real estate lending is an indicator that the state’s housing market is also on its way back to healthy levels.

Banks predict continued healthy levels for Wisconsin’s economy, with 90 percent indicating they expect the economy to remain steady or improve over the next six months.

Visit www.wisbank.com/2013WisEcon for economic forecasts from other sector leaders.