Economist Doug Duncan weighs in on the challenges facing economic forecasters today, cutbacks in economic reports produced by Fannie and Freddie, Fed independence, and more. Continue reading
The next Fed chair may be more receptive to the president’s calls for rate cuts, but they’ll have to convince other central bank policymakers to give up their independence. Continue reading
Zillow reports that, despite an unusually active fall market this year, the housing market has finally settled into a slower pace for winter and returned to seasonal norms. Continue reading
Homebuyer demand is still stronger than a year ago, but seasonal shifts have pushed the mix of business toward refinancing, which accounted for 59% of loan applications last week. Continue reading
Initial unemployment claims hit highest level since September, and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell warns official data could be overestimating job creation by up to 60,000 jobs a month. Continue reading
The 9-3 split vote reflects differing views on whether the central bank’s biggest worry is inflation or rising unemployment, with data lagging after the government shutdown. Continue reading
Applications for purchase mortgages hit a seasonally adjusted 2025 high last week, with FHA, VA, and USDA applications for less pricey homes driving the surge. Continue reading
The latest numbers from the Case-Shiller Index show weak price growth in September. One expert even warned of “outright decline” in some markets. Continue reading
Fannie Mae forecasters are predicting mortgage rates will fall below 6 percent by the end of next year. Economists at the Mortgage Bankers Association don’t see rates coming down at all. Continue reading
The president jokingly told Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent that his job is also on the line if interest rates don’t come down, as poll shows inflation will be a key issue in 2026 midterm elections. Continue reading