Wall Street closed higher for a fifth consecutive session on Wednesday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average gaining approximately 300 points to reach a fresh record high as investors welcomed weaker-than-expected inflation signals. ...

Mortgage Rates - The average rate on the benchmark 30-year fixed mortgage decreased to 6.18% from 6.21% last week, down from 6.85% a year ago [1] - The average rate on a 15-year fixed mortgage rose to 5.5% from 5.47% last week [7] Economic Indicators - The Bureau of Economic Analysis reported a third-quarter GDP growth of 4.3%, surpassing economists' expectations of 3.3% [5] - The consumer price index rose 0.2% in November from the prior month and increased 2.7% year-over-year, both figures lower than economists' projections [6] Labor Market - Employers added 64,000 jobs in November, with the unemployment rate rising to 4.6%, the highest since September 2021 [7] Market Outlook - Higher inventory levels compared to last year may provide buyers with a better rate environment entering the new year [9] - If mortgage rates stabilize or decrease slightly, buyers could experience increased purchasing power in 2026, following two slow housing years [10]

Mortgage rates inched lower in the last week as markets digested new data giving mixed signals about the health of the economy. The average 30-year mortgage rate was 6.18% through Wednesday, from 6.21% a week earlier, according to Freddie Mac data. The average 15-year mortgage rate rose slightly, to 5.5% from 5.47%. ​​“Declining rates offer a timely and welcome gift for aspiring homebuyers,” Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist, said in a statement. Read more: How to get the lowest mortgage rates ...

As noted by Morgan Stanley, gold prices have risen by about 50% in 2025 and crossed $4,000 per ounce in October. The investment bank estimated prices could reach $4,400 per ounce in 2026, which they already surpassed as of late December. Gold’s recent returns can sound impressive when compared to those of popular stocks and cryptocurrencies, but it’s important to consider what may be causing this explosion and whether it will likely continue. In a recent video, financial YouTuber Humphrey Yang discussed ...

Key Takeaways Energy prices are expected to be a mixed bag in 2026, with gasoline prices falling and those for electricity and natural gas increasing.The production of oil has increased, while demand has fallen, which is putting downward pressure on gasoline prices.The reverse is true for electricity: demand is surging because of data center construction. You'll likely pay less at the pump next year, but higher electric bills may offset those savings.Energy prices will be a mixed bag next year, according ...

Market Overview - The three major indices are on a four-session winning streak, with expectations for a potential Santa Claus rally starting in the last five trading days of the year [1][2] - There is a historical concern as the last two years did not see a Santa Claus rally, and this year could break that trend [2] Trading Conditions - The S&P 500 is expected to have a trading range of about 30 to 35 points, with current volatility at approximately 13.7% [3] - A more defensive rotation is observed in the market, with interest rate-sensitive stocks, consumer staples, real estate, and financials leading the way [5] Economic Data - Mortgage applications have decreased by 5% week-over-week, with the 30-year mortgage rate hovering around 6.3% [7][12] - Jobless claims came in at 214,000, better than the expected 224,000, indicating a mixed picture in the jobs market with an unemployment rate of 4.6% [8][10] - The four-week moving average for initial claims is around 216,000 jobs, reflecting some normalization after previous outlier reports [11] Inflation and GDP - Recent economic data has exceeded expectations, contributing to equity gains, with GDP numbers coming in 1% above forecasts [13] - CPI inflation is reported at 2.7% on the headline and 2.6% on core, suggesting that inflation may not be a significant concern for the Fed [21] Commodity Market - Gold and silver have reached all-time highs, indicating a shift towards commodity trading amid geopolitical risks and central bank policies [22][23] - The gold-silver ratio suggests that gold is currently outperforming silver, which may indicate positive market sentiment and economic growth [24][25] Future Outlook - There are expectations for potential fiscal policies around housing in 2026, especially in an election year, which could influence market dynamics [17] - The market is currently pricing in two Fed rate cuts, with the first not expected until June, but there is uncertainty about how the market will react if these cuts are backed out [20]

for what this all means for stocks. Let's bring in Jeremy Seagull, Wisdom Tree, chief economist and Wharton School professor of finance. Jeremy, great to see you.Happy holidays. >> Thank you. >> Uh labor market still doesn't give you too many things to worry about and claims.Although yesterday people were looking at conference board uh job differential and what that might mean for I don't know the prospect of a jobless expansion, let's say. >> Yeah. Yeah.that the the sweet spot for jobless claims uh you kno ...

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LOW-VOLUME TODAY. IT IS CHRISTMAS, SO POTENTIALLY INDIVIDUALS NOT PAYING ATTENTION TO THEIR SCREEN. JOINING US NOW TO DISCUSS MORE, STEPHANIE ROTH AND MICHAEL BALL.THANK YOU FOR JOINING US IN STUDIO. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO BOTH OF YOU. LET'S GET YOUR REACTION FROM THE CLAIMS NUMBER.STEPHANIE: THE DATA LOOKS SOLID. IT IS TELLING US THE LABOR MARKET IS FAIRLY WELL CONTAINED. LAYOFFS ARE MINIMAL.THERE WAS A BOUNCE BACK IN CONTINUING CLAIMS. IT WAS VOLATILITY AROUND THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY. CONTINUING CLAIMS IS ST ...

The year is ending where it arguably began for investors: serving up surprises. Nothing comparable to the market crash in the immediate aftermath of April's "Liberation Day," but still surprises. Gold prices hit another record on Wednesday and are up a sparkly 70% this year. Gold has seen 51 record highs this year. Copper prices have also hit another record. The metal is up 30% this year. Sure is a lot of copper in those AI data centers! And how could one not mention the S&P 500 (^GSPC), which is at a ...