Economy News
Economic news covering Fed interest rate decisions, inflation data, jobs reports, GDP growth, and macroeconomic trends affecting the stock market.
AI Disruption Threatens Entry-Level Jobs, CEOs Warn of Graduate Unemployment Spike
Top executives from ServiceNow and BlackRock caution that artificial intelligence is rapidly displacing entry-level white-collar positions, potentially pushing graduate unemployment into the mid-30 percent range within years.
Mortgage Rates Hold Near 6.3% as Fed Stays Put, Cooling Refinance Demand
Following the Federal Reserve's decision to maintain its benchmark interest rate, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate held near 6.3% this week. Mortgage applications fell sharply, led by a 19% drop in refinancing activity.
Fed Maintains Rates, Signals Single 2026 Cut Amid Elevated Inflation Outlook
The Federal Reserve kept its benchmark rate unchanged and now anticipates only one rate reduction in 2026, as policymakers increased their inflation projections. Stocks declined following the announcement.
Fed to Maintain Rates Amid Oil Spike and Inflation Pressure
The Federal Reserve is likely to keep interest rates unchanged Wednesday, with surging oil prices and persistent inflation delaying anticipated rate cuts. Key data shows consumer prices rose 0.3% in February while payrolls declined by 92,000.
Producer Prices Surge 3.4% in February, Delaying Fed Rate Cut Expectations
U.S. producer prices rose 0.7% in February, exceeding forecasts and driving the annual rate to 3.4%. The hotter-than-expected data sent stocks lower and pushed back market expectations for the Federal Reserve's first interest rate cut.
Mortgage Rates Climb, Threatening Spring Housing Momentum
U.S. mortgage rates increased to 6.29% this week, reversing a brief dip below 6% and threatening the spring housing market's early momentum. California's median home price reached $830,370 in February, with sales remaining below 300,000 for the 41st consecutive month.
Mortgage Rates Dip to 6.29% as Fed Decision Looms, Housing Market Shows Mixed Signals
The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate declined to 6.29% on Tuesday from 6.36% as bond markets stabilized before the Federal Reserve's policy announcement. Pending home sales increased 1.8% in February amid the rate relief.
Mortgage Rates Dip Amid Treasury Retreat, Housing Data Mixed
U.S. mortgage rates retreated Monday, with the 30-year fixed average dropping to 6.36%. The move followed a decline in the 10-year Treasury yield, though housing demand signals remain uneven.
Mortgage Rates Surge to 6.41% as Bond Yields, Oil Prices Climb
U.S. mortgage rates jumped sharply this week, with the 30-year fixed rate reaching 6.41% as Treasury yields and oil prices rose. The increase complicates the spring homebuying season and has already impacted homebuilder earnings.
Mortgage Rates Surge Past 6%, Dampening Spring Housing Momentum
U.S. mortgage rates climbed sharply this week, with the average 30-year fixed rate rising to 6.11% from 6.00%. The increase, the largest weekly jump since April 2025, arrives as the spring housing market shows early signs of activity.
Mortgage Rates Climb, Housing Stocks Retreat Amid Mixed Data
Mortgage rates increased this week, with the average 30-year fixed loan reaching 6.11%. Housing starts and permits declined in January, though mortgage applications rose. Major homebuilder and lender stocks traded lower.
UK Mortgage Rates Climb as Rate Cut Expectations Evaporate
Major UK lenders, including NatWest and Barclays, are increasing mortgage rates for both new and existing customers, reversing a brief period of declines. The average two-year fixed rate has risen to 4.84%, while mortgage approvals have fallen to a two-year low.