(Madison) – Bankers are strongly optimistic and confident about Wisconsin’s current economy as well as what 2018 holds in store for the Badger State. That’s according to 100 Wisconsin bank CEOs and Presidents who contributed to the latest Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) Bank CEO Economic Conditions Survey.
The Wisconsin economy’s current health is good according to 80% of the respondents. This is the highest rating by bankers in the last 10 years of this survey. Additionally, 9% believe the economy to be excellent. Equally encouraging is the fact that 53% believe Wisconsin’s economy will grow over the next six months.
Business loans seem to be fueling that optimism with 59% saying that current demand is good with another 3% stating it is “excellent.” Demand for business loans will also increase according to 53% of respondents.
“This is very encouraging news from our bankers on what 2018 holds for Wisconsin. Our bankers have a unique perspective on the economy. Their knowledge is fueled by their efforts in helping local businesses grow and families prosper,” explained Rose Oswald Poels, WBA president and CEO. “Bankers are the first to see and understand Wisconsin’s economic trends because of their customers’ activities and use that information to help their communities prosper.”
The survey was conducted over the first two weeks of December with 100 respondents.
Below is a breakdown of the questions and responses.
| How would you rate the current health of the Wisconsin economy… | |
| a) excellent | 9% |
| b) good | 80% |
| c) fair | 11% |
| d) poor | 0% |
| In the next six months, do you expect the Wisconsin economy to … | |
| a) grow | 53% |
| b) weaken | 2% |
| c) stay the same | 45% |
| Rate the current demand in the following categories: | |
| Business loans | |
| Excellent | 3% |
| Good | 59% |
| Fair | 37% |
| Poor | 1% |
| Commercial real estate | |
| Excellent | 15% |
| Good | 48% |
| Fair | 34% |
| Poor | 3% |
| Residential real estate | |
| Excellent | 15% |
| Good | 53% |
| Fair | 31% |
| Poor | 1% |
| Agricultural | |
| Excellent | 0% |
| Good | 25% |
| Fair | 61% |
| Poor | 14% |
| In the next six months, do you anticipate the demand for the following loan categories will… | |
| Business loans | |
| Grow | 53% |
| Weaken | 4% |
| Stay the same | 43% |
| Commercial real estate | |
| Grow | 41% |
| Weaken | 6% |
| Stay the same | 53% |
| Residential real estate | |
| Grow | 38% |
| Weaken | 6% |
| Stay the same | 56% |
| Agricultural | |
| Grow | 13% |
| Weaken | 23% |
| Stay the same | 64% |