Economy

The Federal Reserve lowered its benchmark interest rate to its lowest level in three years in an effort to support a cooling labor market. While inflation remains contained, policymakers are divided on whether another rate cut in December is warranted. Mortgage rates have already fallen to a one-year low, but further declines will depend on upcoming economic data and inflation trends.

As the housing affordability crisis deepens, a once-unthinkable idea has entered the mainstream conversation: the 50-year mortgage. With home prices at record highs and mortgage rates still well above their 2020–2021 lows, some policymakers are searching for creative ways to

The U.S. unemployment rate remains at historically low levels even as job growth slows and labor market cracks widen. Retirements, discouraged workers, fewer working mothers, and declining immigration are shrinking the labor force, keeping the rate artificially low.

The September employment report delivered what looked like a mixed message: employers added 119,000 jobs, yet the unemployment rate still edged higher. At first glance, those two trends seem contradictory. But when you break down how the labor market is

Mortgage rates are down, but homebuyers aren’t rushing back. Prices are still high, inventory remains tight, and many Americans are cautious about the economy. We break down why the market isn’t moving, even with cheaper loans

Despite Fed’s September rate cut and projections for two more in 2025, mortgage rates remain elevated. A softening labor market is further eroding buyer confidence. With affordability stretched and supply still tight, lower rates alone may not be enough to revive housing demand.

The latest U.S. inflation and labor market data reveal a challenging balance for the Federal Reserve. While CPI held steady at 2.7% in July, core inflation accelerated to 3.1%, and producer prices jumped, limiting monetary flexibility. At the same time, weak job gains, rising unemployment, and stalled labor participation are pressuring policymakers toward rate cuts, with major implications for mortgage rates and housing affordability through late 2025.

In May 2025, U.S. housing starts dropped to a five-year low, reflecting waning builder confidence amid softening demand and elevated construction costs. Ongoing labor shortages, high interest rates, and tariff uncertainties continue to challenge the delivery of low-cost housing nationwide.

In May 2025, the Federal Reserve opted to keep interest rates unchanged, highlighting heightened economic uncertainty and increased risks to both inflation and employment, particularly in light of ongoing tariff policies.