Economy News

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

Australian Pension Boost Arrives March 20, Deeming Rate Hike May Offset Gains
Economy Daniel Marsh

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.

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Futamura Wigton Plant Workers Set Strike Vote After Overwhelming Pay Offer Rejection
Economy Daniel Marsh

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.

EWU
Mortgage Rates Dip as Markets Pause; Builders Gain Ahead of Fed Minutes
Economy Daniel Marsh

Mortgage Rates Dip as Markets Pause; Builders Gain Ahead of Fed Minutes

U.S. mortgage rates declined slightly, with the average 30-year fixed rate at 6.13%. Markets were closed for Presidents Day, with homebuilder equities advancing ahead of key economic data this week.

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Mortgage Rates Hold Near 6% as Housing Data Dampens Sentiment
Economy Daniel Marsh

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.

RKT
Mortgage Demand Dips as Strong Jobs Data Lifts Yields, Pressuring Lender Stocks
Economy Daniel Marsh

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.

RKT UWMC
Mortgage Rates Dip to Three-Week Low as Markets Await Jobs Data
Economy Daniel Marsh

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.

XLF
Mortgage Rates Hold Steady Near 6.3% as Key Economic Data Awaited
Economy Daniel Marsh

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.

RKT SPY
30-Year Mortgage Rates Hold Steady Near 6% as Fed Pause Extends
Economy Daniel Marsh

30-Year Mortgage Rates Hold Steady Near 6% as Fed Pause Extends

The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate remained at 5.99% this week, with limited movement as the Federal Reserve's next meeting is not until March. A survey indicates most buyers would reconsider plans if rates climb above 6%.

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Refinance Rates Remain Elevated Above 6%, Dampening Homeowner Enthusiasm
Economy Daniel Marsh

Refinance Rates Remain Elevated Above 6%, Dampening Homeowner Enthusiasm

Average 30-year fixed refinance rates hold above 6%, with government-backed options slightly lower. Most borrowers face higher costs despite some lenders offering sub-6% rates.

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Mortgage Rates Hold at 6.23% Amid Data Delay; Key Reports Loom
Economy Daniel Marsh

Mortgage Rates Hold at 6.23% Amid Data Delay; Key Reports Loom

U.S. 30-year fixed mortgage rates remained steady near 6.23% as bond markets paused ahead of delayed jobs and inflation data. Mortgage-related stocks showed mixed premarket movement.

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Mortgage Rates Hold Steady Near 6% Threshold, Refinancing Costs Remain Elevated
Economy Daniel Marsh

Mortgage Rates Hold Steady Near 6% Threshold, Refinancing Costs Remain Elevated

U.S. mortgage rates showed little movement this week, with the benchmark 30-year fixed rate persisting around 6%. Refinance rates continue to outpace purchase rates, dampening homeowner incentive.

XLF
IRS Staffing Shortfall May Dampen Economic Boost from Trump's Tax Refund Surge
Economy Daniel Marsh

IRS Staffing Shortfall May Dampen Economic Boost from Trump's Tax Refund Surge

Taxpayers are poised for larger refunds in 2026 due to new legislation, but IRS workforce reductions could delay payments and limit the anticipated consumer spending lift.

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