Economy News
Economic news covering Fed interest rate decisions, inflation data, jobs reports, GDP growth, and macroeconomic trends affecting the stock market.
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.
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.