Monthly Archives: March 2023

Homebuyers on the Move Early

Posted on March 29, 2023 by Popular Economics Weekly

The Mortgage Corner The home-buying season has begun earlier this year from a large rise in existing-home and new-home sales. It looks like families are already on the move, including retirees and seniors downsizing to more humble quarters. Calculated Risk … Continue reading →

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It’s Time to Raise Fed Inflation Target

Posted on March 23, 2023 by Popular Economics Weekly

Popular Economics Weekly FREDavghrlypay In the light of the recent bank failures, and the Fed’s own missteps in fighting inflation, history is telling us that the Fed’s current 2 percent target rate for inflation is too low. Why? Because Federal … Continue reading →

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The Fed Should Reverse Course

Posted on March 21, 2023 by Popular Economics Weekly

Financial FAQs FRED10yr The wild fluctuations of the 10-year Constant Maturity Treasury yield portrayed in the above St. Louis Fed graph should have alerted Federal Governors and Chairman Powell to the dangers of raising interest rates too precipitously. It is … Continue reading →

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Housing Market Recovery–Part II

Posted on March 18, 2023 by Popular Economics Weekly

The Mortgage Corner Calculate Risk Real estate continues its slight recovery with housing starts and new residential permits on the rise in February. Most of the action was in rental housing, as apartment construction is up 9.9 percent YoY in … Continue reading →

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What Is the Fed’s Next Move?

Posted on March 15, 2023 by Popular Economics Weekly

Popular Economics Weekly FREDcpi The retail Consumer Price Index rose from essentially zero in May 2020 to 8.9 percent YoY in June 2022. It has dropped to 6 percent in February, per the US Census Bureau’s latest inflation report. This … Continue reading →

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Will the Fed Pause Rates Sooner?

Posted on March 11, 2023 by Popular Economics Weekly

Popular Economics Weekly MarketWatch February’s very strong unemployment report has raised fears the Fed may go back to 0.50 percent rate hikes, or even 0.75 percent (which it did four times), because of the continuing strength of the labor market. … Continue reading →

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The Fed May Cause Another Recession

Posted on March 7, 2023 by Popular Economics Weekly

Financial FAQs EPI.org A headline reporting on Fed Chairman Powell’s latest testimony to congress said the Fed will battle inflation until it is subdued, sounding more hawkish because January numbers for retail spending, employment and inflation were stronger than expected. … Continue reading →

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