Musings from the CU Suite

Compiled by Anthony Demangone

Happy Friday, everyone.  Here is the best of this week's reading pile. 

• Bank of America to pay roughly $17 billion to settle mortgage shenanigans claims. (U.S. News and World Report.) Don't cry too hard for them, though. The deal may not end up costing BofA the full $17 billion. (Associated Press.) Hmmm. Maybe the fine wasn't enough. BofA stock was up 4% on Thursday. Fund managers say the fine brightens the outlook for BofA. (Reuters.)  I'm not sure my simple brain can truly comprehend what I just typed out. We're talking 17 BILLION DOLLARS, people. And their stock went up. 
• Did we turn a corner here in the U.S? 45% of Americans say they are spending more than they did last year. (Gallup.)  July housing starts were very strong. (Calculated Risk.) (NAFCU Today.) Architecture billings ar the highest since 2007. (Calculated Risk.) And look at this chart of weekly unemployment claims. (Calculated Risk.)
• TILA-RESPA - now is the time to start getting ready. (NAFCU.)
• Meanwhile, Europe is still a mess. (Washington Post.)
• Shameless plug...meanwhile, check out NAFCU's 2015 education line-up. (NAFCU Today.)
• Sports interlude...25 maps that explain college football. (SBNation.) Little League coach gives a wonderful speech to his team after a loss. (ESPN.)
• Totally and completely out of my control. (Godin.) 
• Did I accept the ALS challenge. You betcha. (Vimeo.)

My Nats have won 10 in a row.  With apologies to no one, this photo is inserted in place of the usual reading photo. Have a wonderful weekend, everyone.