The latest University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index, released Aug. 28, came in at 48.1 in September, falling from 51.7 in August, likely due to inflation worries and a lackluster economic outlook. Current economic conditions and consumer expectations were also slightly lower. “Consumer sentiment ticked down less than four index points in September, reaching the…
The economy remains in what could be described as a complicated state as the latest indicators took a slight downturn in August, according to the latest data from nonprofit business research firm The Conference Board. The Leading Economic Index—an early indicator of where the economy is heading in the near term—decreased slightly in August by…
After their long-awaited meeting, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) unanimously voted to raise federal funds rates by a quarter of a percentage point, moving the target range for interest rates 25 basis points, from 3.5%-3.75%, to 3.75%-4%. During a press conference following the meeting, Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh cited the data from this past…
Libra homeshoppers may celebrate more than just their birthday this upcoming astrological season, as the housing market may have favorable conditions for prospective buyers in the coming weeks. In the 2026 edition of its report, Realtor.com® states that the best time for buyers to purchase a home is the week of Sept. 27-Oct. 3. The…
Inflation saw no unexpected moves as the Iran war keeps the situation elevated, according to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. With this month’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) a key indicator for the upcoming Federal Reserve meeting, all eyes are on price pressures, which are simultaneously weighing on household budgets. The August…
Agents and brokers are likely to continue encountering hesitant consumers, as the University of Michigan reports that preliminary sentiment dropped for the second month in a row on Sept. 11. The consumer sentiment index—which utilizes personal finances, business conditions and buying conditions to measure consumers’ attitudes toward the overall economy—now sits at 47.8 as a…
Editor’s note: Econ Review is a roundup of the housing and economic market data reports released during the month. Summer 2026 did not pick up speed as the industry had originally hoped when the year began, largely due to elevated inflation from the Iran war. However, some positive signs for the housing market might still…
The post Econ Review: A Look at August’s Key Market Data appeared first on RISMedia.
After holding the top spot as the hottest housing market for two consecutive months, Hartford, Connecticut, has been dethroned by a midsize Midwest metro in Rockford, Illinois, in the August 2026 Hottest Housing Markets report by Realtor.com®. Previously, Rockford sat in 10th place for June’s report, while Hartford ranked in first place for June and…
While the labor market briefly bowed under pressure this summer, August’s jobs numbers have “rebounded in a big way,” as characterized by Realtor.com® Senior Economist Jake Krimmel. The latest Employment Situation Summary from the Bureau of Labor Statistics saw the U.S. add 162,000 jobs in August, with the unemployment rate unchanged at 4.1%. Employment specifically…
Above, Fed Governor Christopher Waller As the Federal Open Market Committee’s (FOMC) next meeting quickly approaches, real estate professionals are closely monitoring Federal Reserve governors for any hints as to whether rates will remain the same or face increases. At Reuters NEXT Newsmaker Interview Thursday, Fed Governor Christopher Waller described his economic outlook and stated…
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