Category Archives: Housing

How Do We Solve It?

The Mortgage Corner I speak of the housing shortage, as much as 2 million residential units—owner-occupied and rental units—according to housing economists. What is to be done with mortgage rates at historic highs and material shortages everywhere? Much of it … Continue reading →

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No More Inflation?

Popular Economics Weekly It will probably be hard to believe for those scarred by the post-pandemic inflation scare that inflation isn’t declining, but there was no inflation increase in May for both wholesale (PPI) and retail (CPI) inflation indexes. Yes, … Continue reading →

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Whose Inflation Is Too High?

The Mortgage Corner Declining inflation has stalled in the first quarter, which is hurting prospects for any Fed rate cuts, and causing consumers to buy less. The inflation rate is currently stuck in the 3 percent range, though much lower … Continue reading →

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Q2 Economic Growth Any Better?

The Mortgage Corner The initial estimate of first quarter 2024 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth was less than expected (1.6%), causing financial markets to panic, even though economic growth is better than the initial estimate is reporting, I said last … Continue reading →

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Q1 GDP Growth Better Than Estimate

The Mortgage Corner The initial estimate of first quarter 2024 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth was less than expected, causing financial markets to panic, even though economic growth is better than the initial estimate is reporting. The lower GDP estimate … Continue reading →

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Elevated Rates Endangering Economy

Financial FAQs Early predictions show first quarter economic growth picking up, but a little-known indicator of future growth, the Conference Board’s Index of Leading Economic Indicators (LEI) in March highlighted the danger that high interest rates hold for future growth. … Continue reading →

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Retail Sales Boost Q1 Growth

Financial FAQs Consumers haven’t slowed shopping, even during tax season. They keep boosting economic growth which is edging above annual predictions of 2 percent again. FREDretailsales Retail trade sales were up 0.8 percent (±0.5 percent) from February 2024, and up … Continue reading →

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Fourth Quarter Growth Even Better

The Mortgage Corner Economic growth is picking up and the housing market is following suit, which means the post-pandemic recovery is looking even better this year. The final reading of Q4 2023 U.S. Gross Domestic Product growth adjusted for inflation … Continue reading →

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New Home Sales Boost Housing Market

The Mortgage Corner The sale of new homes is boosting housing and the economy at a very opportune time—the beginning of a New Year when it’s still uncertain when the Fed will begin to cut their interest rates. This is … Continue reading →

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Consumers Want More Stability

The Mortgage Corner More consumers, and most Americans, are deciding they want calm after the instability of the Pandemic era. They are craving fewer economic disruptions for starters, such as the partisan wars that have stymied budget negotiations. “Nearly three-quarters … Continue reading →

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