Key Insight: The FOMC is expected to keep short-term interest rates unchanged at its January meeting, reflecting a cautious approach amid mixed economic signals. Expert Quote: “The timing of further rate cuts in 2026 will depend on whether recent progress in lowering inflation continues, as well as the ongoing health of the employment situation amid […]
Fed likely to keep rates steady as economy shows mixed signals Read More »
In the mortgage industry, the initial reaction to President Donald Trump’s proposal to cap credit card interest rates at 10% has been concern that the policy could ultimately backfire on would-be homebuyers. The cap might seem beneficial on paper, but the long-term consequences, including reduced credit availability, could outweigh the benefits, mortgage professionals told HousingWire.
Mortgage pros warn credit card rate cap could backfire on homebuyers Read More »
Al Drago/Bloomberg Processing Content Key Insight: Fed Vice Chair Michelle Bowman said labor market risks remain elevated and cautioned against signaling a policy pause as the central bank weighs its next moves. Expert Quote: “We should also avoid signaling that we will pause without identifying that conditions have changed. Doing so will indicate that we
Fed’s Bowman ‘continues to see downside risk’ to labor market Read More »
David Paul Morris/Bloomberg Processing Content Key Insight: Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari said the labor market is continuing to cool, though he wants to see additional data before deciding how monetary policy should proceed. Expert Quote: “My guess is we’re pretty close to neutral right now, and we just need to get more data to
Fed’s Kashkari flags concern about labor market Read More »
Vincent Alban/Bloomberg Processing Content Key Insight: Both regional Federal Reserve presidents, who are voting members of the Federal Open Market Committee in 2025, said they wanted interest rates to remain unchanged because of inflation concerns and a lack of official data. Expert Quote: “Inflation remains too high, the economy shows continued momentum, and the labor
Fed’s Goolsbee, Schmid lay out case for interest rate pause Read More »
The American Financial Services Association (AFSA), the nation’s oldest and largest consumer credit trade group, on Tuesday released its quarterly Consumer Credit Conditions Index. It found that AFSA members’ assessment of current conditions turned slightly negative in the third quarter of 2025. More respondents reported worsening business conditions than improving conditions, pushing the survey’s Net
Stress appears for consumer credit conditions Read More »
Key Insight: Expectations are building that the regional Fed president reappointments set for February will break from historical norms, with a higher likelihood of dissents from the board of governors expected at the very least. Expert Quote: “A couple of ‘no’s’ or abstentions can illustrate that the reappointment process is not merely a rubber-stamping or
Inside the brewing battle over regional Fed bank leadership Read More »
The Trump administration floated the idea of a 50-year mortgage this weekend with the intention of improving affordability, but some data analyses indicate it could do the opposite. The interest paid for a 50-year mortgage on a $500,000 loan with a 6.10% annual percentage rate, roughly the current average for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, would
50-year mortgage plan piles on interest, analysis finds Read More »
Jeremy Erickson/Bloomberg Key insight: Economists see validity in Fed Gov. Miran’s argument that shelter inflation is coming down, but note the impact to overall inflation may vary in significance. Expert quote: “I don’t think that rental disinflation is really going to be enough of a reason on its own to say ‘mission accomplished on inflation.’ I
Fed Gov. Miran has a view on the economy. Is it persuasive? Read More »
Ting Shen/Bloomberg Key Insight: Fed Gov. Lisa Cook highlighted her commitment to getting inflation to 2% and said she will “act forcefully” if signs emerge that point to cost pressures increasing. Expert quote: “Looking ahead, policy is not on a predetermined path.” — Fed Gov. Lisa Cook. What’s at stake: Cook’s remarks come amid a growing rift
Fed’s Cook strikes hawkish tone in rare appearance Read More »