Economic Indicators
Indicators that provide signals about the current state and future direction of the economy and the housing market.
30-yr Fixed Rate Mortgage
| MAR. 2025 | MAR. 2026 | DEC. 2026 FORECAST |
|---|---|---|
| 6.7% | 6.2% | 6.0% |
30-yr FRM: Freddie Mac®, Forecast: Veros
Unemployment Rate
| MAR. 2025 | MAR. 2026 | DEC. 2026 FORECAST |
|---|---|---|
| 4.2% | 4.3% | 4.4% |
Unemployment rate: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Forecast: Veros
Inflation Rate
| MAR. 2025 | MAR. 2026 | DEC. 2026 FORECAST |
|---|---|---|
| 2.4% | 3.3% | 2.4% |
Inflation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Forecast: Veros
Hourly Earnings
| MAR. 2025 | MAR. 2026 |
|---|---|
| $36.11 | $37.38 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Housing Inventory
| MAR. 2025 | MAR. 2026 |
|---|---|
| 1.33 Million | 1.36 Million |
Source: National Association of Realtors
Housing Starts
| JAN. 2025 | JAN. 2026 |
|---|---|
| 1.358 Million | 1.487 Million |
Source: Census.gov
Housing Market Hotness Index
Discover housing market trends with the Market Hotness Index, a weekly metric utilizing proprietary data on housing activity, demand, and supply indicators across the top 100 U.S. counties.
- The Market Hotness Index is formulated through a combination of proprietary data pertaining to housing activity and demand and supply indicators for the 100 most populous counties in the U.S.
- The index is scheduled to be disseminated weekly and serves as a metric to identify markets gaining momentum or waning. A market exhibiting a score in the 95-105 range on this index is considered a stable market, with a score surpassing this range implying a hotter market, and a score below 95 indicating a cooling market.
Housing Market Hotness Index Apr 12, 2026
The Housing Market Hotness Index ticked higher in mid-April, signaling resilient demand despite ongoing headwinds. While mortgage rates remain elevated, they are still lower than a year ago, offering slight affordability relief. At the same time, housing activity is becoming increasingly regional, with strong demand in some markets and softer conditions in others.
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Housing Market Hotness Index Apr 05, 2026
The Housing Market Hotness Index moved into the stable range in early April, signaling a slight improvement in activity. However, overall conditions remain similar to last year, with modestly higher inventory offset by softer sales. Regional differences continue to shape the market, with strong demand in some areas and more muted activity in others.
Housing Market Hotness Index Mar 29, 2026
Housing market activity edged higher at the end of March but remains below last year’s levels. Rising mortgage rates and signs of a softening labor market are adding new pressure to an already strained affordability environment.
Housing Market Hotness Index Mar 22, 2026
The housing market posted a modest rebound in March, with improving activity following a weak February. But that progress may be short-lived as mortgage rates climb again and uncertainty around potential rate hikes and global conflict weighs on buyer confidence.
Housing Market Hotness Index Mar 15, 2026
The housing market is showing signs of renewed momentum heading into spring, with the U.S. Housing Market Hotness Index rising week over week. However, increasing geopolitical tensions and rising oil prices are driving inflation expectations higher, pushing mortgage rates upward and introducing new uncertainty into what is typically the busiest homebuying season.
Housing Market Hotness Index Mar 08, 2026
The Housing Market Hotness Index climbed to 89.84 for the week ending March 8, 2026, reflecting renewed optimism as pending home sales rise and inventory remains tight heading into the spring season. However, rising mortgage rates, inflation concerns tied to Middle East tensions, and a softening labor market could limit housing demand in the months ahead.