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The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) – the Fed's monetary policy-setting arm – is set to meet in Jackson Hole, Wyo., for its annual retreat this week while lawmakers remain in their home districts and states as the August recess continues.

The FOMC's economic policy symposium, sponsored by the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, brings together central bankers, policymakers and economists from around the world. This year's theme will focus on challenges for monetary policy.

"Markets are convinced that the trade war, slow growth abroad, and a range of geopolitical risks mean another rate cut is forthcoming," wrote NAFCU Economist and Vice President of Research Curt Long in a recent Macro Data Flash report on consumer prices. "FOMC officials have been conspicuous in their silence since July's meeting, but [the] annual gathering in Jackson Hole should provide some clarity."

NAFCU also continues its outreach to lawmakers – both in Washington and those in their home districts – on credit union issues, including a NAFCU-opposed section of the Senate-passed NDAA. The association encourages credit unions to utilize its Grassroots Action Center to learn more about current issues and contact lawmakers. NAFCU also continues to build its top-notch speaker list for its fast-approaching Congressional Caucus (Sept. 8-11).

Also happening this week:

• a webinar tomorrow will help credit unions identify and analyze potential credit union risks associated with overdraft fees;
• Thursday, Janneke Ratcliffe from the CFPB's Office of Financial Education will lead a webinar on the bureau's – and financial institutions' – efforts to help consumers save; and
• Thursday, a webinar will present findings from the annual NAFCU-BFB Gallagher Executive Compensation and Benefits Survey (see what was covered during a session on the survey at NAFCU's Annual Conference in June).