Knowledge Center


 

February 14, 2012

 

Economic and Business Outlook

by Douglas L. Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer

 

In December, I wrote about the structural limitations on economic growth imposed by heavy debt burdens in the household and public sectors.   It seems clear that correcting these excesses will define the fundamental direction of economic activity for the next three to four years, if not longer; however, the monetary policy response to current conditions may have an equally consequential effect on the future.


Central banks throughout the developed world have adopted accommodative monetary policies to ensure generous capital markets liquidity, stimulate economic activity, and keep interest rates low to protect over extended borrowers.  These polices have had their intended effect, at least in the short term.  Markets are functioning efficiently, credit is available for worthy borrowers, and the cost of servicing debt is at historically low levels.  There is little doubt accommodative monetary policy is appropriate for periods of turmoil and uncertainty.  The propitious actions of central bankers have probably saved us from global economic collapse, but at what price?


Easy money has historically resulted in an eventual rise in general price inflation and the creation of asset value bubbles.  Persistently low interest rates make it difficult for savers and fixed income investors to make adequate returns.  Rising rates of inflation further erode these returns, often resulting in negative real returns.  Leveraged speculation in asset values fueled by artificially low interest rates distorts the operation of fundamental market forces in those assets.


Apart from the appreciation recently apparent in gold and some commodities, inflation is currently quite modest and generally below levels targeted by the central banks.  So far, it seems central bankers have struck equilibrium between supporting a weak and vulnerable economy and risking broader price inflation and formation of asset value bubbles.  Only time will tell if this delicate balance can be maintained, but from history’s perspective, the greater probability is that inflation will re-emerge and we will pay a significant price for the palliative care of accommodative monetary policy. 

 

 

December 13, 2011 

 

Economic and Business Outlook, December 2011
by Douglas L. Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer

 

The economy rebounded modestly in the third quarter with higher consumer spending and export sales.   However, the inability of government leaders and central bankers in Europe and the United States to settle on solutions to correct heavy debt burdens and yawing budget deficits heightened anxiety about the future course of economic activity.  As a result, business managers and consumers are expected to maintain a largely defensive posture as we begin the new year. Read More >

 

 

December 9, 2011

 

Cutting Costs
Reviewing Analysis Statements Can Positively Impact Your Bottom Line

by Ashley Carson, Senior Vice President of Corporate Banking

 

In this challenging economic environment, I frequently come across clients who are scrambling to cut expenses. Companies can find quick improvement to the bottom line through what I call a “Deposit Checkup” - a detailed review and assessment of a company’s analysis statements. Read More >

 

 

December 1, 2011

 

Utilize one of your best assets: Your banker
by Brian Harper, Vice President, Corporate Banking

 

The best business advice I can give a company is to fully utilize its banker’s knowledge and network. If your company isn’t taking full advantage of your banker’s resources, you may be missing out. Read More >

 

 

 

October 12, 2011


Douglas Williams testifies before Congress about the impact of derivatives regulation on small to mid-size businesses

Williams urged Congress to reconsider regulation that will negatively impact the ability of community-oriented banks and small to mid-size businesses to manage interest rate risk.

To read the article, please click here.

 

 


September 2011


Economic and Business Outlook
by Douglas L. Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer


Economic activity during the first half of 2011 was surprisingly weaker than most analysts and forecasters had anticipated.  Read More > 

 

 

 

September 2011


Grow by Going Global

by Jeff McCoy, Senior Vice President of Corporate Banking

In the media today, there is continuous talk about the outlook for flat growth in the U.S.  So, how can an American business grow in the current economy?
Going global may be the key to your company's success. Read More >



 

September 2011



Preventing Corporate Check Fraud
by Kurt Shreiner, Executive Vice President of Corporate Financial Services 
  

The Association for Financial Professionals (AFP) recently conducted a survey on fraud with its corporate members. The survey's results should put all companies on high alert. Of the responding companies 71% had experienced fraud or attempted fraud in 2010. Check fraud was involved over 90% of the time. Read More > 

 

 


June 1, 2011

 

Four Years of Progress



Thanks to the support and loyalty of our clients, Atlantic Capital marked its fourth year of progress in May 2011.  At the corporation’s annual shareholders meeting on May 19th, President and Chief Executive Officer Doug Williams highlighted Atlantic Capital’s 2010 and first quarter 2011 performance, reviewed its four years of progress, and spoke about the company’s future plans.  You can review the shareholders meeting presentation by clicking the following link: 2011 Annual Shareholder Meeting Presentation

 

 

June 1, 2011

 

Economic and Business Outlook

By Douglas L. Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer  
 
We began the year optimistic about a more durable economic expansion after a strong fourth quarter finish.  While consensus forecasts for US GDP growth in 2011 still average 3.0 - 3.5%, first quarter growth was surprisingly weak at 1.8%.  Bad weather at home and persistent economic and financial shocks from abroad dampened and delayed economic activity during the quarter. 
Read More>
 

 


May 31, 2011

 

Managing your Company's Interest Rate Risk
By David Shutley, Senior Vice President

 

What are the main risks to your company's success? For many companies, the uncertainty of rising interest rates is a key concern. In the below article, David Shutley, Senior Vice President at Atlantic Capital Bank, answers frequently asked questions about interest rate swaps and how they can be used effectively to manage a company's interest rate risk. Read More>

  

Click to view two interest rate swap case studies:  Interest Rate Swap Case Studies

 

 

January 28, 2011


Economic and Business Outlook

By Douglas L. Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer  
 

After growing slowly over the first half of 2010, the economy strengthened in the third and fourth quarters.  Export sales grew and the manufacturing and service sectors of the economy moved firmly into expansion territory. Consumer spending increased modestly, but was limited as consumers repaid debt, unemployment was stubbornly high, and housing prices continued to decline in some markets, including metropolitan Atlanta.

Read More>

 

 



October 2010

 

Economic and Business Outlook
By Douglas L. Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer  
 

The pace of economic expansion has slowed over the last few months as early recovery stage inventory restocking, stimulus spending, tax credits, and transfer payments have run their course. US GDP grew 1.7% in the second quarter of 2010, well below historic recovery patterns, and we expect a similar trajectory in the US and other mature economies over the next two to three quarters. Read More

  

 
 
July 15, 2010
 
Economic and Business Outlook
By Douglas L. Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer  
 
The economic recovery lost some of its earlier momentum during the second quarter with tentative consumer spending and business investment, limited private sector job creation, and growing concern about the costs of new government regulation and higher taxes. Read more> 
 
 
 
May 2010
 
Economic Commentary – Global Risk and Opportunity
By Douglas L. Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer  
 
In our first quarter Economic and Business Outlook, we discussed the prospects for further economic recovery and identified key risks to sustained economic expansion.  The economy is fragile and its course is vulnerable to adverse geopolitical events, global financial market dislocations, the withdrawal of monetary policy support, and government policy misadventures.  We have seen evidence of each of these factors at play over the last few weeks. Read More
 
 
 
April 14, 2010
 
Economic and Business Outlook
By Douglas L. Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer  
 
Economic data suggest the severe economic contraction that began in 2007 reached its trough in the second half of 2009, and that a modest expansion in economic activity is underway.  Financial markets are now functioning in a more orderly fashion, many large companies are reporting improved operating results, and the pace of deterioration in housing has been arrested. Read More