Economic activity expands, but consumers feel the squeeze
Construction and real estate activity increased slightly overall, with several districts highlighting growth in data center building.
Housing Market
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Can mortgage rates survive hawkish Fed talk during inflation week?
Markets watch monthly core inflation prints and conflict headlines as the 10-year holds near 4.60% and Fed tone stays hawkish.
Iran conflict lifts mortgage rates, but housing demand stays positive
Pending sales rose to 63,971 versus 61,143 in 2025, inventory ended at 844,011, and price cuts were 39.57% versus 41%.
Trump didn’t sign it, but the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is now law
The legislation, aimed at cutting red tape and making homeownership more attainable, is now the law of the land after President Donald Trump declined to sign or veto the bill before midnight Eastern time Saturday.
Housing affordability is improving as wages outpace home-price growth
Inventory is 1.56 million with 4.6 months of supply, helping keep 1.8% home-price growth below wage gains running near 3.5%.
Better mortgage spreads are still keeping home sales positive
Mortgage spreads improved to 2.01%, keeping rates near 6.60% as total pending sales rose to 422,120 vs 396,652 last year.
Why mortgage rates are rising, not falling, with oil under $70
A hawkish Fed outlook is anchoring the 10-year near 4.46% to 4.48%, keeping mortgage rates near 6.50% to 6.75% despite oil.
Trump calls 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act ‘a yawn’
The comments came as Trump reinforced prioritization of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act as his top domestic priority.
Why Fed President Beth Hammack wants more rate hikes
Oil is near $70, but Fed hawks cite sticky inflation and full employment, keeping rate hikes in play and mortgage rates from falling.
How the housing market survived the Iran conflict
Mortgage spreads improved in 2026, keeping rates below 7% and helping demand hold up, even as oil spiked and inflation stayed hot.