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
| MAY. 2025 | MAY. 2026 | DEC. 2026 FORECAST |
|---|---|---|
| 6.8% | 6.4% | 6.3% |
30-yr FRM: Freddie Mac®, Forecast: Veros
Unemployment Rate
| APR. 2025 | APR. 2026 | DEC. 2026 FORECAST |
|---|---|---|
| 4.2% | 4.3% | 4.4% |
Unemployment rate: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Forecast: Veros
Inflation Rate
| APR. 2025 | APR. 2026 | DEC. 2026 FORECAST |
|---|---|---|
| 2.3% | 3.8% | 2.4% |
Inflation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Forecast: Veros
Hourly Earnings
| APR. 2025 | APR. 2026 |
|---|---|
| $36.12 | $37.41 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Housing Inventory
| APR. 2025 | APR. 2026 |
|---|---|
| 1.45 Million | 1.47 Million |
Source: National Association of Realtors
Housing Starts
| APR. 2025 | APR. 2026 |
|---|---|
| 1.400 Million | 1.465 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 May 24, 2026
The housing market showed modest improvement during the week ending May 24, 2026. Lower mortgage rates compared to last year have helped bring more buyers into the market, but affordability constraints and uncertainty surrounding global events continue to limit a broader housing recovery.
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Housing Market Hotness Index May 17, 2026
The housing market showed further signs of stabilization in May 2026, with the Housing Market Hotness Index climbing steadily since February. While lower mortgage rates have helped bring buyers back into the market, affordability pressures, the lock-in effect, and economic uncertainty continue to keep overall activity subdued compared to the stronger housing markets of 2023 and 2024.
Housing Market Hotness Index Apr 26, 2026
The housing market is showing signs of stabilization, with the Hotness Index rising above last year’s levels as buyers respond to slightly lower mortgage rates. However, demand remains uneven across regions, and affordability pressures continue to keep overall activity below peak levels.
Housing Market Hotness Index Apr 19, 2026
The Housing Market Hotness Index ticked higher for the week ending April 19, 2026, supported by a recent decline in mortgage rates and typical seasonal momentum. While lower rates are bringing some buyers back, limited inventory and concerns around the labor market are keeping activity restrained. At the same time, housing conditions are diverging sharply across regions, highlighting an increasingly localized 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.
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.