Since the commencement of the U.S. and Iran war, energy prices have soared, and the latest findings from the Bureau of Economic Analysis’ Personal Consumption Expenditure (PCE) index (the Federal Reserve’s preferred measure of inflation) found that catching up. The PCE price index experienced a large bump in March 2026; after hovering around 2.9% annual…
Nonprofit business research organization The Conference Board released its latest Leading Economic Index (LEI)—which provides an early indication of significant turning points in the business cycle and where the economy is heading—showing a decline of 0.6% in March 2026, more than reversing its 0.3% increase in February. Overall, the LEI fell by 1.0% over the…
Mortgage rates bumped back up this week but overall remain in the low 6% range, contributing to a subdued but steady spring market, according to economists. The average mortgage rate ticked increased 7 basis points to 6.30%, up from 6.23% last week, and back to the same point from two weeks ago, according to the…
Jerome Powell’s reign at the Fed may be at its end, but he’s not going anywhere. On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve held interest rates steady at its April Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, leaving the federal funds rate unchanged at a rate of 3.5%-3.75% for the third straight month since December’s quarter-point cut. And…
Mortgage applications decreased this week but economists say homebuying sentiment has improved over this time last year thanks to an increase in homes on the market. According to the latest Market Composite Index from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA)—its measure of mortgage loan activity volume and includes purchases and refinances—decreased 1.6% on a seasonally adjusted…
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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After January’s “weakest start to a year for home prices since the early 2010s,” as noted by Bright MLS Chief Economist Lisa Sturtevant, home-price growth has now effectively “stalled” in February, according to the latest data. The February S&P Cotality Case-Shiller Home Price Index saw a 0.7% year-over-year gain in home prices, shrinking from the…
Consumer views on the economy continue to muddle for another month as the Iranian conflict looms over oil and gas prices, according to the latest Survey of Consumers from the University of Michigan. The index of Consumer Sentiment fell 6.6% month-over-month to 49.8 (from 53.3 in March), down 4.6% year-over-year and is “now comparable to…
Mortgage rates have reached their lowest point since mid-March but economists worry inflation and economic uncertainty caused by tensions in the Middle East will result in temporary decreases versus more sustained stability. The average mortgage rate ticked down 7 basis points to 6.23%, down from 6.30% last week, according to the latest Primary Mortgage Market…
Despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, recent mortgage rate declines have boosted mortgage application activity for a second week in a row. According to the latest Market Composite Index from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA)—its measure of mortgage loan activity volume and includes purchases and refinances—increased 7.9% on a seasonally adjusted basis from last week’s 1.8% increase,…
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