Economy News
Economic news covering Fed interest rate decisions, inflation data, jobs reports, GDP growth, and macroeconomic trends affecting the stock market.
Xero Data Reveals U.S. Small Business Sales Slowdown, Canadian Contraction
Xero's latest data shows U.S. small business sales growth decelerated sharply to 0.9% year-over-year in the December quarter, with Canadian sales contracting 4.1%. The company cited tariff impacts and policy uncertainty.
NAB Reports Surge in Mortgage Offset Usage Amid Rate Uncertainty
National Australia Bank reports a significant increase in offset account adoption, with 75% of mortgage customers now utilizing them. The trend intensifies as households brace for potential interest rate hikes.
Mortgage Rates Dip Below 6% Threshold, Yet Housing Stocks Face Persistent Headwinds
The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate declined to 5.98% this week, marking its first sub-6% reading since 2022. Despite the favorable rate move, major housing equities sold off sharply as broader market concerns and sector-specific challenges weighed on sentiment.
US Economy Slows Sharply as Inflation Stays Elevated, Complicating Fed Path
The US economy expanded at a 1.4% annualized rate in the fourth quarter of 2025, a significant deceleration from the prior quarter's 4.4% pace. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge, core PCE, remained stubbornly high at 3.0% year-over-year.
Australian Pension Boost Arrives March 20, Deeming Rate Hike May Offset Gains
Millions of Australian welfare recipients will see payment increases from March 20, though a simultaneous rise in deeming rates may trim benefits for some pensioners.
Futamura Wigton Plant Workers Set Strike Vote After Overwhelming Pay Offer Rejection
Workers at Futamura's cellulose film plant in Wigton, England, will hold a strike ballot after overwhelmingly rejecting a 1.2% pay offer. The GMB union is demanding a 3.8% increase, citing inflation.
Mortgage Rates Hold Near 6% as Housing Data Dampens Sentiment
Mortgage rates held steady above 6% this week as the housing market shows signs of strain, with existing-home sales declining sharply. Rocket Companies shares fell amid the cautious sentiment.
Mortgage Demand Dips as Strong Jobs Data Lifts Yields, Pressuring Lender Stocks
U.S. mortgage applications declined slightly last week while lender shares fell after a robust employment report pushed Treasury yields higher, dampening near-term rate cut hopes.
Mortgage Rates Dip to Three-Week Low as Markets Await Jobs Data
U.S. mortgage rates declined to their lowest level in three weeks, with the 30-year fixed average falling to 6.11%. Financial markets are now focused on the upcoming employment report for direction on bond yields.
Mortgage Rates Hold Steady Near 6.3% as Key Economic Data Awaited
U.S. 30-year fixed mortgage rates remained near 6.28% early Tuesday, with markets focused on upcoming employment and inflation reports. Rocket Companies shares gained in premarket trading.