Momentum in Investment
A Tool for Uncertain Times
Resilience in the Face of Change
Stanford emphasizes that local companies have become more adept at navigating uncertainty in recent years.“ The uncertainty around tariffs earlier this year caused clients to position themselves in a‘ wait-and-see’ mode. With more certainty now, especially from a tax perspective, clients are better positioned to plan expenses, including paying for potential expansions or investments in their companies,” Stanford said.“ There are still variables as we think about interest rates, costs and so forth, but this brings up a point we’ ve seen time and again, especially since 2020: Businesses have gotten really good at handling uncertainty. They are strong. They are resilient.”
Consumer Confidence: A Steady Foundation
The consumer side of the economy remains stable.“ Consumers are maintaining good liquidity and managing their debt levels well,” Stanford said.“ Some are spending a little less on luxury items, but consumer sentiment is still positive on the economy.”
Looking Forward: Control What You Can
Stanford’ s advice for local business owners is practical:“ Focus on what you can control. There are a lot of issues that are outside the direct control of business clients, so we encourage our clients to lean into the things they can control to better prepare for what comes next.”
Momentum in Investment
Despite global uncertainties, many mid-sized businesses and certain real estate sectors are moving forward with growth plans.“ Pipelines are starting to expand,” Stanford said.“ We’ re seeing growth in the energy sector, asset-based lending and some manufacturing. Clients have a large amount of liquidity on their balance sheets, so many are well-positioned to make critical purchases now, while taking a‘ wait-andsee’ approach for other [ less timely ] projects until they see rates go further down.”
Major local developments are also fueling optimism. Projects like the inland port, Hyundai’ s expansion, new facilities for Diageo and Meta, and others are expected to deliver long-term economic benefits. Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base remains a key economic driver, and new attractions— such as Montgomery Whitewater and the redevelopment of the corridor from downtown to Maxwell— are strengthening the city’ s growing service and tourism sectors.
One of those controllable areas is cash flow.“ Cash flow is one of the biggest things businesses can maximize now to ensure they have tight control over their cash management strategies. Automating accounts payable and accounts receivable are great places to start,” Stanford said.
Emerging trends like artificial intelligence are also creating new opportunities for companies to boost productivity and reduce costs, helping to offset challenges such as a tight labor market and rising wages. With the right strategies and guidance, local businesses are well-positioned to manage risks and seize new opportunities.
A Tool for Uncertain Times
Businesses don’ t have to navigate economic shifts alone. Regions offers the Greenprint ® plan— a free, personalized financial plan for individuals and businesses. This plan helps clients strengthen savings, manage expenses, reduce debt and set clear goals. It’ s available at any Regions branch and open to non-customers as well.
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