One interesting aspect to a Key-National City deal is the Cleveland factor. Support for the deal may grow because it would keep a bank headquartered in the city. Recently, two banks in Boston merged, with the fact it meant a bank would remain in Boston a major factor in gaining approval. It has been an underachiever in banking circles. Housing costs, which had been a driver of price increases, have moderated.
Inflation still runs slightly higher here.
For the 13 westernmost states, overall prices are up 3.3 percent vs. 3.5 percent here. The core rate is up 2. 7 percent vs. 2.9 percent here. Successful ports are finding their niche. The Port of Seattle has one in refrigerated cargo. The Port topped the nation as the largest center for refrigerated exports last year.