Inflation seemed to be making good progress at the end of 2025 and start of 2026, with the Federal Reserve actually starting to cut interest rates. The start of the conflict in the Middle East in February, however, threw a wrench in that progress, as inflation turned course and began to elevate once again. Now,…
Consumer’s economic expectations remain muted for another month as the Iran War continues to hold the economy back, according to the latest data from the University of Michigan. University of Michigan’s latest Consumer Sentiment Index found that sentiment fell only 0.1 points in October, shifting ever so slightly from 48.1 in September to 48 in…
The Iran War continues to weigh on the economy, and in turn the housing market, with mortgage rates this week peaking to “the highest level since May 2024,” as noted by Mortgage Bankers Association President and CEO Bob Broeksmit. According to Freddie Mac’s latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 7.03%…
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…
When many economic indicators pointed to issues with inflation, the governors of the Federal Reserve’s Open Market Committee (FOMC) instead voted once again to maintain their “wait and see” approach in their most recent meeting. Newly released minutes from the meeting, however, reveal that three members of the committee did in fact advocate for a…
Summer arrives with a positive sign for the housing market, as the National Association of Realtors®’ (NAR) pending home sales report shows growth month-over-month and year-over-year in May 2026. Gains were felt across all four major regions of the United States. “A late spring buyer rush—even with mortgage rates not budging—is an indication of pent-up…
Consumers’ view of the U.S. economy has been shaped by the ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran, which has boosted inflation in large part due to rising energy prices. The uncertain timeline for an end to the conflict has in turn led to an uncertain economic outlook, including by those at the Federal Reserve.…
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As the conflict with Iran has loomed over the heads of consumers and over the economy, the two-week ceasefire in April contributed to some relief in consumer views, according to the latest data from The Conference Board. The Consumer Confidence Index® saw a 0.6 point increase to 92.8 in April (baseline of 100 is based…
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Signs of a spring bloom in the housing market are finally at hand, but the potential for that growth could be curtailed by looming geopolitical headwinds, according to the latest data. Realtor.com®’s March 2026 Monthly Housing Trends Report found that both active and new listings grew month-over-month and year-over-year, despite rises in mortgage rates and…
Despite ongoing economic impacts surrounding the U.S. and Iran war, monthly consumer confidence as surveyed by the nonprofit Conference Board ticked up in March 2026. The survey, with results collected between March 1-24 (entirely during the Iran war), found that consumer confidence ticked up to 91.8 in March, up from the revised February findings of…
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