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MarketMinute | How much do consumers plan to spend this holiday season?

Oct 24

4:09

AM

Category | Markets in a Minute

The government shutdown drags on, stalling key economic reports and leaving the Fed and markets short on fresh data.

Markets still expect the Fed to cut its policy rate at next week's meeting, and investors anticipate a 3rd cut for the year in December.

Consumers expect to spend $890 per person on the holidays this year, down from $902 in 2024, per a National Retail Federation survey.

Housing News

Falling mortgage rates persuaded buyers to take action in September. Existing home sales rose 1.5% to reach a 7-month high.

The median existing home price last month grew 2.1% year over year to $415,200. Inventory rose to 4.6 months, up from 4.2 months a year ago.

Purchase apps fell 0.3% for the week but were 20% higher than the same time last year. Refi apps grew by 4% for the week and 81% year over year.

MarketMinute | How does Gen Z feel about the market?

Oct 17

5:35

AM

Category | Markets in a Minute

After a few months of calm, tensions between the U.S. and China reignited in recent weeks, sparking new concerns over trade and tariffs.

The government shutdown is in its 3rd week with no end in sight, limiting key data on the labor market and economy.

Fed Chair Powell said quantitative tightening might wrap up soon, potentially limiting the supply of mortgage bonds and driving down rates.

Housing News

According to ICE, the average credit score for purchasers locking their rates was 736 in September, the highest in 6 years of tracking.

Purchase apps fell for the 3rd straight week but remain 20% above last year as rising inventory keeps some buyers engaged.

In a Realtor.com survey, 82% of Gen Z respondents believed homebuying is harder for their generation. Affordability was the top life concern for 18%.

MarketMinute | More buyers answer a call to ARMs!

Oct 10

6:01

AM

Category | Markets in a Minute

Minutes from last month's Fed meeting showed officials largely agreed a recent slowdown in the labor market outweighed inflation concerns.

The government shutdown continues this week, delaying key economic reports and making private-sector data even more important to markets.

Gold hit a new high and surged past $4,000/oz as investors fled risk, seeking safety amid market volatility and Fed policy rate cut speculation.

Housing News

Purchase mortgage applications fell 1% for the week but were still 14% higher than the same week a year ago.

Adjustable-rate mortgages have increased slightly in popularity. ARMs made up 9.5% of applications last week, up from 8.4% the previous week.

AI-enhanced listing photos allow agents to "virtually stage" homes at a fraction of the normal cost but are raising transparency concerns.

MarketMinute | Will the government shutdown impact housing?

Oct 3

4:18

AM

Category | Markets in a Minute

According to ADP, private payrolls saw their biggest decline in 2 1/2 years during September, a sign of labor market weakening.

Despite essential services staying open, the government shutdown means key reports won’t be released, including Friday’s jobs report.

Markets are already betting the shutdown will contribute to weakening the economy. There's increasing speculation of further Fed rate cuts.

Housing News

Pending sales of existing homes increased solidly in August to the highest level in 5 months, helped along by lower mortgage rates.

Data suggests home price growth is cooling nationwide. Appreciation is decelerating amid affordability pressure.

Real estate transactions that rely on government services, such as tax record confirmation, may be delayed while the government is closed.

MarketMinute | Prices and new home sales rise

Sep 26

8:16

AM

Category | Markets in a Minute

Initial jobless claims dropped last week to the lowest level since mid-July, signaling that most companies are hesitant to lay off current staff.

The U.S. economy grew at its fastest pace in nearly 2 years last quarter after consumer spending was revised higher.

Businesses say tariffs are driving up input costs, but weak demand keeps them from raising prices, squeezing margins across sectors.

Housing News

New-home sales jumped in August to a 3 1/2-year high, helped by lower mortgage rates and strong builder incentives.

Existing home sales were flat in August. Homes took longer to sell, averaging 31 days on market, and supply slipped 1.3% from July.

NAR reports that the median home sales price hit $422,600 in August, up 2% from a year ago. It was the 26th consecutive month of gains.