MBA forecasts rates will probably stay right where they are now in 2026, as investors have already priced in future Fed rate cuts. But look for three years of steady growth in home sales ahead. Continue reading
The silver lining in deteriorating consumer confidence is that the weaker job market means the Federal Reserve is expected to slash rates several times this year and next, even as tariffs fuel inflation. Continue reading
With Trump administration’s Aug. 1 deadline looming, new readings on consumer confidence show would-be homebuyers may be getting less fearful that tariffs will tank the economy. Continue reading
Two closely watched surveys show Americans remain concerned that the U.S. is headed for the dual challenge of an economic slowdown and an increase in inflation. Continue reading
A surge in the Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index for May made the preliminary numbers from a similar U of M survey look “far too negative,” one economist told clients Tuesday. Continue reading
The University of Michigan Index of Consumer Sentiment slipped to 50.8 in May, its second lowest reading ever, as Americans fretted about tariffs, inflation and the job market. Continue reading
The University of Michigan Index of Consumer Sentiment fell 11 percent from March to April and is now lower than it was during the Great Recesssion. Continue reading
Republicans are less worried about the future than Democrats and Independents, but “consumers from all three political affiliations are in agreement that the outlook has weakened since February.” Continue reading
Economists and bond market investors have been surprised by the continued strength of the economy, and are wary of the potential for tariffs, tax cuts and deportations to reignite inflation. Continue reading
A more optimistic outlook of where mortgage rates are headed drives the largest increase in Fannie Mae’s Home Purchase Sentiment Index in more than two years. Continue reading