Economy News
Economic news covering Fed interest rate decisions, inflation data, jobs reports, GDP growth, and macroeconomic trends affecting the stock market.
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.
Mortgage Rates Dip Slightly as Housing Market Struggles
Mortgage rates edged lower this week, with the 30-year fixed average at 6.31%. However, housing demand remains weak, with existing-home sales falling 3.6% in March.
Mortgage Rates Retreat, Breaking Five-Week Ascent
The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate declined to 6.37% this week, ending a five-week streak of increases. Purchase applications rose slightly but remain below last year's levels.
Amazon Imposes 3.5% Fuel Surcharge on Sellers Amid Rising Oil Prices
Amazon is introducing a 3.5% fuel and logistics surcharge on fulfillment fees for third-party sellers in the U.S. and Canada, effective April 17. The move comes as Brent crude oil prices hover around $110 per barrel, increasing delivery costs across the logistics sector.
Mortgage Rates Inch Lower, Affordability Squeeze Persists for Spring Buyers
U.S. mortgage rates edged down slightly, with the 30-year fixed average at 6.43%. However, purchase applications declined and the median monthly payment rose, highlighting ongoing affordability challenges.
U.S. Mortgage Rates Hit 6.46%, Highest Since Fall, Squeezing Spring Buyers
U.S. mortgage rates have surged, with Freddie Mac's benchmark 30-year fixed rate reaching 6.46%, the highest level since September. The jump is cooling housing activity, with purchase applications down and refinancing demand plummeting.
Mortgage Rates Hold Near Recent Highs, Adding Pressure to Spring Homebuyers
Key mortgage rates held near multi-month highs on Tuesday, sustaining affordability challenges for prospective homebuyers this spring. Data from major trackers showed continued volatility, with the 10-year Treasury yield hovering around 4.5%.
Mortgage Rates Edge Lower Amid Market Volatility, Affordability Concerns Persist
The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate eased to 6.55% on March 30, offering minor relief. However, broader measures show rates remain elevated, with purchase applications down 5.4% and refinancing demand plunging 14.6%.
India's Banking System Braces for Year-End Holiday Disruptions
A series of bank holidays in India, coinciding with the financial year-end, is set to impact branch-based transactions like salary processing and cheque clearing from March 28 to April 3. Digital services will continue uninterrupted.