ICE Experience, AI Webinar, LOS, Inside Sales, BBYS, DSCR Products; Is a Cap on Credit Cards Possible?

Group 1: Housing Market Trends - The median age of first-time homebuyers has risen to 40 years, compared to 29 years in 1981, with the share of first-time homebuyers dropping to a historic low of 21 percent [1] - Calque and The Loan Store have partnered to expand the Buy Before You Sell+ program, allowing consumers to purchase a new home before selling their current one, which helps more borrowers qualify for loans [3] - Curinos reported a 20% year-over-year increase in funded mortgage volume for December 2025, with a 34% increase in the Retail channel [14] Group 2: Credit Card Interest Rate Proposals - President Trump proposed a cap on credit card interest rates at 10 percent, which has drawn criticism from various banking associations, stating it could reduce credit availability for millions [10][11] - Bill Ackman criticized the proposal, suggesting it would lead to credit card lenders canceling cards for many consumers, pushing them towards less regulated and more costly alternatives [12] - The proposal highlights the importance of supply and demand in determining interest rates and the potential consequences of government intervention in the credit market [13] Group 3: Economic Indicators and Federal Reserve Policy - The labor market added 50,000 jobs in December, with the unemployment rate declining to 4.4%, allowing the Federal Reserve to maintain a slightly restrictive monetary policy [15] - Market expectations indicate a low probability of a near-term rate cut, with a consensus on a +0.3% core CPI print likely being a non-event [16] - The Trump administration's housing initiatives, including a proposed ban on institutional investors buying single-family homes and a directive for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to purchase $200 billion in mortgage bonds, may have limited impact on housing affordability [18][19]