The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) reported that inflation grew at a faster rate throughout August, possibly contributing toward the Federal Reserve’s decision to raise rates in mid-September. The Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index increased 0.3% on a monthly basis, a slight increase from July’s index increase of 0.2%. On a yearly basis, inflation…
Following a not-so-rosy monthly report in August, nonprofit research firm The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index, which measures American opinions of current economic conditions and their outlook for the next six months, wasn’t much better news in September, fell by 6.7 points to 81.9, down from 88.6 in August. The Present Situation Index—based on consumers’…
Mortgage rates continue to climb, this week reaching their highest point since January 2025, and leaving buyers with an uphill battle at a time when the summer lull typically retreats. And, with a swath of housing indicators–existing home sales, pending home sales, home purchase applications–hitting recent lows or reaching negative territory along with no sign…
Homebuyers and owners looking to refinance pushed the pause button again this week as rates soared over 7%, a move economists attribute to ongoing economic uncertainty and geopolitical forces, namely the continuing conflict in the Middle East. The latest Market Composite Index from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA)—its measure of mortgage loan activity volume and…
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…
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…
Mortgage rates ticked up again this week, seemingly caught in an ongoing cycle of upward pressure as renewed tensions in the Middle East drive oil prices higher, stoke inflation concerns and push Treasury yields up, bringing mortgage rates along with them. This past week, rates reached a 14-month high at 6.76% for the average 30-year…
As U.S. homebuyers continue to navigate a bittersweet housing market–one where inventory is becoming more balanced in many markets but prices and mortgage rates remain elevated–home purchase application activity pulled back this past week as rates hit their highest point since June 2025. The latest Market Composite Index from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA)—its measure…
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.
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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