Community Banks Remain Strong in Difficult Times.

Community banks in the United States are crucial for local communities, as they are the only physical financial presence in one-third of the country's counties. These banks, with assets under $50 billion, provide 80% of agricultural bank loans and 60% of small-business loans. Despite the challenges faced by the banking industry, community banks have shown favorable asset quality, stable deposits, and strong capital ratios, according to Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation data. As interest rates decrease and the bond market stabilizes, community banks are well-positioned to continue serving the needs of small businesses and households. [Extracted from the article]