The Fed kept policy rates unchanged at this week's meeting and announced a faster reduction of its bond buying program, to finish in March. |
The Fed is expected to fight inflation by beginning to raise policy rates after concluding the bond buying program early next year. |
Wholesale prices rose 9.6% from a year ago, the highest level since November 2010. The pace was faster than the 9.3% estimate. |
Strong demand buoyed homebuilder confidence, which ended the year healthy despite rising costs and labor shortages. |
November housing starts rose more than expected to an 8-month high. Builders are making headway on backlogs even with challenges. |
Homeowners are sitting on a record amount of home equity due to soaring demand and skyrocketing prices over the last year and a half. |