Economy News
Economic news covering Fed interest rate decisions, inflation data, jobs reports, GDP growth, and macroeconomic trends affecting the stock market.
Moody's: South Africa's Debt Stabilizing, Iran Conflict Poses Growth Risk
Moody's says South Africa's debt has peaked at 86.8% of GDP and is set to decline, but warns the Iran conflict could reduce growth by up to 0.5 percentage points in 2026-27.
Is Cash Still a Safe Bet? How Inflation Erodes Savings Yields
Inflation is outpacing most savings accounts, making cash a costly choice. High-yield options like online banks and I bonds offer better returns.
USDA Boosts Disaster Aid to 70%, Extends SDRP Filing Deadline to August
The USDA doubled the SDRP payment factor to 70% and extended the application deadline to August 12, unlocking a second round of payments for approved producers.
Oregon Hazelnut Grower with Rare Tractor Museum Joins National Farm Bureau Committee
Oregon farmer Roy Hofer, known for his private John Deere tractor museum, has been appointed to the American Farm Bureau Federation's Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee for 2026-27.
US Mortgage Rates Slip to 6.30%, Sparking Spring Buyer Surge; Bay Area Prices Top $2M
Mortgage rates dropped to 6.30%, boosting purchase applications 10% and pending home sales 1.5%. Bay Area prices stay above $2 million.
UK Inflation Accelerates to 3.3%, Fueling Rate Cut Uncertainty
UK consumer price inflation accelerated to 3.3% in March, up from 3.0% in February, as higher fuel and airfare costs pushed prices upward. Economists widely expect the Bank of England to hold interest rates steady at its April 30 meeting.
Social Security May 2026 Disbursement Calendar Reveals Extended Payment Gaps
Some Social Security recipients will experience a 35-day interval between April and May 2026 payments, with the first regular May distribution scheduled for May 13. Benefit amounts, which increased 2.8% for 2026, remain unaffected by the timing adjustment.
Social Security COLA Forecast Stays at 2.8% for 2027 Amid Inflation Volatility
An early projection for Social Security's 2027 cost-of-living adjustment holds steady at 2.8%, matching the 2026 increase. However, a competing analyst raised her estimate to 3.2% following March inflation data.
Social Security COLA Forecast Rises on Energy-Driven Inflation
Preliminary projections for the 2027 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment have increased to a range of 2.8% to 3.2%, following a March inflation report showing a 3.3% annual rise in the CPI-W index, largely fueled by energy costs.
Mortgage Rates Hold Near Recent Lows, Yet Spring Housing Demand Remains Subdued
Mortgage rates stabilized near recent lows, sparking a 5.1% weekly jump in refinance applications. However, purchase demand dipped 1% as builder confidence fell to a seven-month low amid economic uncertainty.
Mortgage Activity Edges Higher as Rates Dip, Yet Housing Market Momentum Falters
Mortgage applications increased last week as interest rates declined to a one-month low, though demand for home purchase loans softened. Existing-home sales fell in March, highlighting ongoing market headwinds.
March CPI Surge Dampens Fed Rate Cut Expectations, Fueling Market Uncertainty
A sharp rise in consumer prices during March, led by a historic jump in gasoline costs, has clouded the Federal Reserve's policy outlook, pushing back expectations for interest rate reductions.