Thought Leadership Archive

Special Reports

A Perfect Storm

In a lending landscape clouded by uncertainty, Oakworth’s Chief Economist John Norris is focused on one thing: pricing risk.As geopolitical tensions rise and interest rates remain elevated, small-business owners face mounting challenges in securing affordable credit.…

Financial Literacy

More Than a Move-In Checklist for College

Sending a child off to college is an exciting milestone — for both students and parents. While you’re busy packing dorm essentials and setting up class schedules, don’t overlook some critical financial and legal preparations. Taking…

Trading Perspectives Podcast

The Sky Is Falling! Or Is It?

Listen to the full episode here.  General Overview Conversation Summary: John and Sam discuss the recent announcement by the Bureau of Economic Analysis that the US economy shrank by 0.3% in the first quarter of 2025.…

Trading Perspectives Podcast

Is Now the Time to Buy?

Listen to the full episode, here.  Key Points The market volatility and uncertainty are being driven primarily by the president’s unpredictable trade policies and comments, rather than fundamental economic factors. [04:35] John and Sam are concerned that…

Common Cents Blog

Debating the Undebatable

This past week, I made a lunch presentation to a group here in town. Afterwards, a guy told me my talk seemed “extemporaneous.” That was a new one for me. However, unless a speaker is reading…