As the year ends, how are consumers—such as potential homebuyers—feeling about the market going into 2026? Per the latest findings from the University of Michigan’s monthly Consumer Sentiment report, sentiment was slightly improved in December compared to November, confirming the sentiment trajectory from the University of Michigan’s preliminary report earlier this month. Compared to November…

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A cooling labor market reported this week with unemployment rising slightly, while in line with expectations, did little to move mortgage rates, economists report.  The latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®), released by Freddie Mac Thursday, shows the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaging 6.21%, a slight decline of one basis point from last week’s rate…

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The Federal Reserve has maintained that a 2% annual inflation rate is its goal. After months of inflation moving back up due to factors such as tariffs, reversing what looked like a slow but steady descent to 2%, the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) saw a reversal…

The post Inflation Lower Than Expected After Months of Inching Up appeared first on RISMedia.

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Federal Reserve Governor Stephen Miran said Monday that he expects a rapid decline in housing-related inflation despite higher costs for other items. He also suggested interest rate cuts may be warranted even as overall inflation remains above the Fed’s 2% target. In his speech at Columbia University, Miran noted that current shelter inflation readings reflect…

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With the last FOMC meeting and interest rate cuts of the year in the rear-view mirror, combined with typical holiday time slowdowns, economists were not surprised to see a decrease in mortgage applications this week. According to the latest Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) report, the Market Composite Index—the measure of mortgage loan activity volume—decreased 3.8%…

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Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller argued at a Yale University CEO Summit today that the central bank should press forward with rate cuts even as job growth stalls near zero.  He also offered a sobering observation about the housing market: lower rates may not matter much if potential homebuyers are too worried about losing their…

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As we head into 2026, mortgage rates are expected to remain in line with today’s rates, which, while not the sharp decline some buyers may have been hoping for, are enough to see modest home price growth in the new year, economists predict.  The latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®), released by Freddie Mac Thursday,…

The post Mortgage Rates Tick Up but Remain Near 2025 Lows appeared first on RISMedia.

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Home purchase application activity continues to fluctuate with an increase this past week but mortgage watchers say the bigger picture shows applications overall running ahead of a year ago as market conditions continue to mark gradual improvement.  According to the latest Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) report, the Market Composite Index—the measure of mortgage loan activity…

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Above, Brad Case After past positions at the Federal Reserve, Nareit and Fannie Mae, Brad Case brings a breadth of experience to his newly appointed role as chief residential economist at portal giant Homes.com. With more than 35 years of industry expertise, in his new role he will serve as the company’s leading voice on…

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The Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Index, which is the Federal Reserve’s preferred gauge of inflation, rose to 2.8% in September on an annual basis. According to data from the Commerce Department released Dec. 5, core PCE rose 0.2% over the previous month. The report, delayed by the government shutdown, seemingly gives a further green light…

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