Economy News
Economic news covering Fed interest rate decisions, inflation data, jobs reports, GDP growth, and macroeconomic trends affecting the stock market.
Canada Trade Surplus Plunges 82% as Loonie Gains 0.5%
Canada's trade surplus narrowed 82% to C$769M in July, missing forecasts. Exports fell 2.3%, imports rose 2.2%, and the loonie gained 0.5% to C$1.3776.
India Q1 GDP Beats Forecast But Oil Prices Cap Market Gains
India's GDP grew 7.8% in Q1, beating forecasts, but oil prices near $95 limited equity gains. Special FX inflows of $136.4B provided a buffer.
Mortgage Demand Edges Higher as 30-Year Rate Holds Near 6.8%
US mortgage purchase applications rose 2% last week even as the 30-year fixed rate climbed to 6.79%. Refinancing fell 1% and remained 19% below year-ago levels, according to MBA data.
Premium Bonds Prize Rate Rises to 4.35% Amid Payout Variability
NS&I boosts Premium Bonds prize rate to 4.35%, yet payouts remain variable. September saw £497.1M in prizes, with odds of 1-in-21,000 per bond.
Mortgage Rates Surge to 6.89% as 10-Year Treasury Hits 20-Month High
The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate jumped to 6.89%, the highest in a year, as Treasury yields surged. Monthly payments on a $400,000 loan are now $236 above the 2026 low.
Top 1-Year CD Yields 4.35% APY, Outpacing National Average by 2.64 Points
Top one-year CD yields 4.35% APY, beating the 1.71% national average by 2.64 points. A $10,000 deposit earns $435 vs $171, highlighting the value of shopping for rates.
Mortgage Rate Rise Strengthens Homebuyer Leverage, Limits Affordability
The 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose to 6.66%, giving buyers more negotiating power as sellers outnumber them by 51%. Affordability stays limited.
Real Home Values Slip Again as Inflation Outpaces Price Growth
U.S. home prices rose 1.5% year-over-year in June, but 3.5% inflation kept real values falling for a 13th month. Regional gaps widen as mortgage rates stay elevated.
Record Diphtheria Outbreak Strains Remote Health Infrastructure
Australia's record diphtheria outbreak with 538 cases in 2026 prompts A$13M response, highlighting remote housing and health infrastructure gaps. Investors eye public health spending.
Social Security 2027 COLA Projected at 3.4%-3.6%, Adding Up to $60B
Private estimates for the 2027 Social Security COLA range from 3.4% to 3.6%, which could increase annual benefits by up to $60 billion.
Colombia's $9.6B Quake Bill Strains Bonds as Peso Holds Firm
Colombia's earthquake recovery is estimated at $9.58 billion, pressuring bonds as yields rise 30 bps. The peso remains firm, supported by steady coffee exports and high interest rates.
