December Fed rate cut seen as a lock — then caution may prevail

The latest Consumer Price Index reading is in line with expectations, but progress in fighting inflation has stalled. Forecasts for a slower pace of easing next year might keep mortgage rates above 6 percent. Continue reading

October new-home numbers down month over month: Economist

Windermere’s Principal Economist Jeff Tucker looks at October’s falling month-to-month new construction numbers. Continue reading

The big asterisk on that October jobs report: Economist

Windermere’s Principal Economist Jeff Tucker looks at how recent events have impacted the October jobs report and what it means for the economy. Continue reading

Existing-home sales show the market is still frozen: Economist

Windermere’s Principal Economist Jeff Tucker looks at September’s “disappointing” existing-home sales report and discusses some of the factors impacting the numbers. Continue reading

Numbers to know: Is the Fed having second thoughts about rate cuts?

Inflation, combined with September’s strong jobs report, suggests that the Fed might be rethinking how quickly to cut the Federal Funds Rate, says Windermere’s Principal Economist Jeff Tucker. Continue reading

Latest inflation numbers could give mortgage rates additional lift

Reports send mixed signals on the economy, with CPI showing prices rose more sharply than expected in September and jobless claims surging to highest level in more than a year. Continue reading

Fed expected to be cautious in cutting rates next week

A surprisingly large increase in core CPI, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, means Fed policymakers are likely to start out with a modest 25 basis-point rate cut when they meet next week. Continue reading

‘It’s finally happening.’ Cooler inflation opens the door to rate cut

Overall inflation rose just 3 percent on an annual basis in June, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics. The 10-year Treasury yield, an indicator of mortgage rates, plummeted on the news Thursday. Continue reading

NAR chief economist predicts 6% mortgage rates. Is this the time?

NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun told CNBC he expects mortgage rates to settle around 6 percent, a prediction he’s made before. A look back at two years of his forecasts amid a chaotic economy. Continue reading

Prospects for lower mortgage rates grow as inflation continues to ease

The Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge fell to 2.56 percent in May, getting closer to the Fed’s 2 percent target for the 2nd month in a row. Core inflation reading is lowest since March 2021. Continue reading