Economic Indicators & Trends - The national unemployment rate is at 43%, while the unemployment rate for young Americans ages 16 to 24 is 105% [1][9] - US import tariff rate is at 195% according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development [1] - The economy grew at almost 4% in the second quarter, according to the Commerce Department [1] - Small business confidence is increasing, potentially due to the resolution of tax policies [1][4] Inflation & Cost of Living - Ground coffee prices have increased by 33%, from $631 to $887 per pound [1] - Auto insurance costs are up 60%, shelter costs are up 50%, and electricity costs are up 38% over the past 5 years [10] Consumer Behavior & Savings - 46% of US adults have enough emergency savings to cover three months of expenses, while 24% have no emergency savings at all [20] - There's increased use of "buy now pay later" programs, which can be risky due to high interest rates after missed payments [14][15] Stock Market & Investment - The stock market is booming, hitting 28 highs this year, boosted by AI promises [1] - There's a lot of AI investment and energy in tech, with a few big tech stocks driving the S&P 500's performance [24] - A record amount of money is in money market funds, offering around 4% interest, indicating people are seeking safer investments [30][31] Trade & Tariffs - Tariffs have sharply raised prices for things like coffee, bananas, TVs, and toys [1] - The president's tariffs against China have caused China to not buy any US soybeans [38] Political & Economic Perceptions - People who blamed Biden for the high cost of living don't blame Trump for the same high cost of living [41] - There's a pervasive feeling that the current economic system is not working for many Americans [51]

Retirement Planning - Retiring in large towns offers more affordable prices compared to major metro cities [1] Location Advantages - These large towns provide access to hospitals, airports, and cultural venues [1]

Sales of previously owned homes in the US slipped slightly in August, a sign that affordability constraints continue to grip the housing market https://t.co/mMgr7hzKa5 ...

Joining us now is David Ducker, senior writer at The Dispatch and an MSNBC contributor. Basil Michael is former executive director of the New York State Democratic Party and an MSNBC analyst. So, eight words, David.Cancel the cuts, lower the cost, save healthare. Is that the slogan that's going to give Democrats an advantage over Trump and the Republicans because this fight is looking to get messy. Yeah, that's doubtful.Uh, Americans don't like government shutdowns. They think they're an illegitimate form o ...

Some breaking economic data coming in much better than expected. New home sales rise 800,000 an annual rate the estimate had been for 650,000. That also means that the sales percentage change month over month is 20.5%.The expectation had actually been a decline of.3%. So it is a stronger number but not a roaring market. It does underscore the fact that mortgages Matt have come in.The mortgage rate looks to be around the lowest since the start of the year, but we've had a Fed that's cut 125 basis points over ...

Three states are gearing up to give Democrats three very big clues about the state of politics and what voters are thinking. There are off-year races unfolding right now in New Jersey, Virginia, and California. Money is pouring in, ads are going up, and for a sense of the stakes, look no further than the explosive debate between the two people vying to become the next governor of New Jersey.A race one local reporter describes as getting more bitter by the day. My opponent on Friday went down to Washington, ...

New data shows the Republican party making strong gains with young men from generation Z. This report comes from Decisiones HQ, suggesting Gen Z is trending differently than their older counterparts, millennials. The younger generation, especially young men, are moving toward Republicans.Some polling released in June, found Republicans edged out Democrats among young men at 48% to 42%. This voting block is credited with helping to secure President Trump's 2024 win and is a key target for Democrats this upco ...

Economic Struggles of Gen Z - Youth unemployment is at 105%, double the national average [1] - About one in three young adults still live at home [1][10] - 70% of Gen Z loses sleep over financial stress [1] - College costs are 42% of income compared to 13% for their grandparents [11] Political Implications - Political figures resonating with Gen Z address economic struggles directly [1][5][6] - Affordability, financial hardship, and the housing crisis are key issues [6][8][9] - Young people voted for Trump because they thought he would fix economic problems [7] - Political leaders need to pay attention to what young people are saying [8] Proposed Solutions and Criticisms - Zoning reform and quality immigration reform are potential solutions [16] - The current president has been criticized for exploding the debt by $4 trillion and reigniting the cost of living crisis [13] - The current president oversaw the most unaffordable housing market in American history [13] - 600,000 people lost around $4 billion on crypto [14]

Financial Performance - Lennar's Q3 experienced a downturn, with revenue falling short of expectations and deliveries being lower than anticipated [1] - Lennar's home building gross margins decreased to 175%, a significant drop compared to 29% in 2022 [1] Market Conditions and Affordability - The housing cycle has been difficult, with softening market conditions and affordability issues impacting sales volume [1] - Maintaining sales volume required additional incentives to avoid building excess inventory [1] - Lower interest rates this month were encouraging, but production is slowing and delivery guidance is being lowered [2] - Average selling prices declined by 9% [3] - Affordability was stretched, leading to incentives such as buying down mortgage rates and lowering prices [4] Cost Management - Trade partners have been reducing costs to maintain volume, recognizing the impact of reduced home building [2] Industry Outlook - Most big builders are offering incentives due to stretched affordability [4] - Only Toll Brothers, a luxury home builder, expressed optimism about the months ahead at a housing conference [4] - The market is being recalibrated to avoid pushing too hard on a market that doesn't want to be pushed [3]

From @WSJopinion: The Democrats’ agenda shouldn’t be advertised as a campaign to save stranded polar bears or curb carbon emissions. In 2026, it’s affordability, stupid: Electricity supply up, electricity bills down, writes @RahmEmanuel. https://t.co/nAqN66Lwmt ...