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
After hitting a 2025 low on Oct. 28, mortgage rates continue to rise as hopes dim for a December Fed rate cut. Futures market investors on Wednesday saw only a 34 percent chance of a Dec. 10 rate cut, down from 94 percent in October. Continue reading
The resignation of Biden appointee Adriana Kugler and pending retirement of Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic renews speculation that Trump will seek to undermine Fed independence. Continue reading
NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said Friday there could be a brief bump in home sales after the government shutdown. Here are the other market forces he’s watching. Continue reading