Page 39 - April 24, 2025 Bulletin

climate changes and global economic uncertainty. So,
during this time, remember that remodeling is messy John D. Bloss is a managing partner and serves
from day to day and stay focused on the long-term on the board of directors for The Baker Group.
benefits. Consider this: a 4.50% yield today could be the He works with community financial institutions
in the areas of investments and asset/liability
cushion our margins need if future yield environments management, education, portfolio management
are significantly lower, as they have been in past cycles. evaluation, interest rate risk, strategic planning,

and regulatory issues. He evaluates the relative
Call to Action: Find ways to participate and values of a broad range of investment products and
don’t miss this market opportunity helps clients select those that complement their
investment portfolio and overall balance sheet. John
The graph above underscores the urgency—yields
haven’t been this high since before the Great Recession. holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics
from Texas A&M University. He is registered as
Missing this market is like letting your house decay a general securities representative and general
until the roof caves in. Community banks must act now, securities principal with FINRA.
reinforcing their bond portfolios to weather future
storms. With market yields at almost two decades high
on average, this isn’t just maintenance—it’s a strategic
upgrade. Don’t wait for the next downturn to regret a
crumbling foundation. Invest now, dollar by dollar, and
build a balance sheet that stands firm.

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