Economic Indicators
Interest Rates: March 2026
By George Ratiu |
The Federal Reserve’s rate-setting committee left the policy rate unchanged at today’s meeting, as it acknowledged uncertainty over the impact of Middle East war. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) finds itself squeezed between the proverbial rock and hard place, as the…
New Construction Starts the New Year with Higher Starts and Completions
By George Ratiu |
New residential construction in January highlighted a housing market beset by affordability challenges, hemmed by rising inflation and higher construction costs on one side and a slowing job market squeezing consumers on the other.
Employment Continues on Roller Coaster Ride, Complicating Federal Reserve Decision
By George Ratiu |
The jobs market has been on a roller coaster ride over the past eight months. The latest data, covering February’s hiring activity, reinforced the trend
Freddie Mac Mortgage Rates: February 2026
By George Ratiu |
The Freddie Mac fixed rate for a 30-year loan followed the downward glide of the 10-year Treasury during February, breaking through the 6.0% threshold for the first time in three-and-a-half years, settling at 5.98%. The slide in the 10-year Treasury toward 4.0% highlights investors’ concerns…
Federal Reserve’s Rate-Setting Committee Maintains Policy Course at January 2026 Meeting
By George Ratiu |
This article summarizes the Federal Reserve's efforts to support the job market and manage rising inflation.
New Construction Pulls Back in October 2025
By George Ratiu |
New residential construction in September and October reflected the Federal Reserve’s changing monetary policy and builders’ expectations of sliding interest rates. Today’s delayed data release encompasses two months of activity. While September activity showed a slight pickup in …
Freddie Mac – Mortgage Rates Highlight Markets Seeking Signals on Inflation
By George Ratiu |
The Freddie Mac fixed rate for a 30-year loan mirrors deepening uncertainty about the economic momentum in the last stretch of 2025, posting a 1 basis point slide to 6.21%. Investors are concerned about the mounting unemployment rate and the scant employment gains of the second half of the year.
Freddie Mac – Mortgage Rates Reflect Investor Uncertainty About Economic Outlook
By George Ratiu |
The Freddie Mac fixed rate for a 30-year loan slid 4 basis points to 6.19% in the week ending December 4 and is 50 basis points below last year’s level during the same week. The rate has been moving in a narrow band since mid-September as bond investors navigate the slowly dissipating darkness of…
Freddie Mac Mortgage Rates: November 2025
By George Ratiu |
The Freddie Mac fixed rate for a 30-year loan rose for the third consecutive week, to 6.26%, highlighting cautious financial markets navigating the slow incoming trickle of economic data as government agencies ramp up their operations.
Interest Rates - October 2025
By George Ratiu |
FOMC cuts funds rate another 25 basis points at the October meeting due to job market risks.