Apply Online
Schedule a Call

Politics and policy

Jefferson signals cautionary stance on tariffs, labor and rate path

Economy, Inflation, Monetary policy, Politics and policy /

Key insight: Fed Vice Chair Philip Jefferson described a delicate balancing act, supporting moderate rate cuts to protect jobs while keeping long-term inflation under control. Supporting data: GDP growth slowed to 1.6% in the first half of 2025, and tariffs are nudging prices higher as long-term expectations remain anchored. Forward look: Jefferson emphasized durable inflation […]

Jefferson signals cautionary stance on tariffs, labor and rate path Read More »

Even as shutdown halts BLS data, hiring appears to be slowing

Federal Reserve, Jobless claims, Politics and policy, Regulation and compliance /

Key Insight: Payroll firm ADP showed that employers lost 32,000 jobs in September, but the Bureau of Labor Statistics did not release its scheduled jobs report Friday because of the federal government shutdown. Forward look: The Fed cut rates by 25 basis points in September as a “risk management” move. The absence of a key

Even as shutdown halts BLS data, hiring appears to be slowing Read More »

Trump eyes firing thousands of federal workers over shutdown

Government Shutdown, Politics and policy /

President Donald Trump is weighing slashing “thousands” of federal jobs ahead of a meeting with his budget director, Russell Vought, as the White House looks to ratchet up pressure on Democrats to end a government shutdown that has entered its second day. “It’s likely going to be in the thousands,” White House press secretary Karoline

Trump eyes firing thousands of federal workers over shutdown Read More »

How potential changes to the GSEs could affect mortgage rates

GSE Reform, Mortgage Rates, Originations, Politics and policy, Secondary markets, Servicing, The Great American Mortgage Corporation /

Some government-sponsored enterprise reform models could add three or four figures to monthly payments, but others could exert some limited downward pressure, a Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research report finds. Estimated mortgage-rate hikes of 0.2% to 0.8% — an additional $500 to $2,000 for the typical homebuyer — could result in certain scenarios, authors

How potential changes to the GSEs could affect mortgage rates Read More »

HUD accused of violating Hatch Act over shutdown message

Government Shutdown, HUD, Politics and policy, Regulation and compliance /

A message on the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s website blaming “the Radical Left” for the government shutdown has prompted legal complaints and accusations of a Hatch Act violation. HUD officials Wednesday pushed back on criticism of the pop-up window and banner on their home page stating “The Radical Left in Congress shut down

HUD accused of violating Hatch Act over shutdown message Read More »

What banks need to know about this government shutdown

Economy, Flood insurance, Politics and policy, Trump administration /

  What’s at stake: Mortgages requiring federal flood insurance will be more difficult to close during the shutdown, among other impacts.  Expert quote: For “financial services broadly, banks in particular, there are going to be disruptions.” — Brian Gardner, Stifel Financial Corp. Forward look: Extended shutdowns threaten federal worker pay and U.S. creditworthiness, potentially triggering

What banks need to know about this government shutdown Read More »

Supreme Court to hear Fed Gov. Cook case in 2026

Federal Reserve, Litigation, Monetary policy, Politics and policy, Trump administration /

Key Insight: The Supreme Court postponed a decision on whether to strike down an injunction that allowed Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook to remain on the board while her lawsuit against the administration moves forward, allowing her to stay at the Fed at least until oral arguments are held in early 2026. Expert Quote: “The

Supreme Court to hear Fed Gov. Cook case in 2026 Read More »

Agencies issue shutdown-related guidance for lenders

Government Shutdown, Politics and policy, Treasury bonds /

A government shutdown arrived Wednesday due to an intense partisan divide in budget negotiations, prompting bond investor activity that could lower mortgage rates but otherwise challenge the housing market. Investors flooded further into the perceived safety of treasury bonds, putting downward pressure on rate-indicative yields as several government agencies pulled back “non-essential” services related to

Agencies issue shutdown-related guidance for lenders Read More »

Trump nominates Travis Hill for permanent FDIC chair

FDIC, Politics and policy, Regulation and compliance /

Key insight: Hill has overseen a sharp deregulatory pivot at the FDIC, with priorities centered on rolling back Biden-era rules and limiting the agency’s role in liberal-aligned issues like climate change and diversity. Supporting data: If confirmed, Hill would serve a five-year term, succeeding Martin Gruenberg; the FDIC board is now entirely Republican, giving him

Trump nominates Travis Hill for permanent FDIC chair Read More »

FTC sues to unwind Zillow-Redfin rental listing partnership

Law and legal issues, Politics and policy, Rocket Mortgage /

The US Federal Trade Commission sued to block a partnership to make Zillow Group Inc. the exclusive provider of information on apartment rentals offered by Rocket Companies Inc.’s Redfin. In a complaint filed in Virginia federal court, the FTC said the partnership would reduce the number of websites offering apartment listings, leaving consumers with fewer places to

FTC sues to unwind Zillow-Redfin rental listing partnership Read More »