And of course, we have some important data to get you across as well, by the way, of the BLS that's coming out with some delayed numbers that we've been waiting for. So, let's get to Kevin Green, who joins me now for a snapshot of the job openings and labor turnover survey data that's just been released. What are you seeing there, KG.Yeah. So, going to uh the report here, it looks like the number of job openings was actually unchanged uh for this report here, sitting at 7.7% uh million uh job openings for t ...

Core Viewpoint - The possibility of continued high mortgage rates is a significant concern for homeowners and potential buyers, as indicated by former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, who suggests that long-term rates are more likely to rise due to fiscal pressures on the economy [1] Mortgage Rate Trends - As of mid-October, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.19%, a decrease from 6.44% at the same time last year [3] - Mortgage rates have remained elevated since 2022, with the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage increasing from 3.45% in January 2022 to 6.42% by December 2022, and rates have not dipped below 6% since then [3] Economic Impact - High mortgage rates have contributed to an affordability crisis in the housing market, leading to slow new home sales in 2025, with Fannie Mae projecting total home sales in 2025 to be lower than in 2024 [5] - The Federal Reserve's interest rate hikes in response to inflation in 2022 have influenced mortgage rates, which are indirectly affected by the interest rates set by the Fed [4] Future Projections - Predictions for mortgage rates in 2025 and 2026 are more optimistic than Summers' outlook, with Fannie Mae forecasting a decline to 5.9% by the end of 2026, although Freddie Mac anticipates a potential increase to 6.4% by December 2025 [6]

Core Insights - The recent PCE data showed no surprises, indicating inflation remains a concern, particularly with core PCE at 2.9% year-over-year, which is above the Fed's target [2][3][6] - There is a divergence in views among Fed officials regarding the timing and necessity of rate cuts, complicating future monetary policy decisions [3][8] - The labor market shows signs of weakness, but current economic data, including a revised GDP growth of 2.5% and strong consumer spending, suggests resilience [6][7] Inflation and Economic Data - Core PCE inflation is still considered too high, leading to potential discussions on rate cuts at upcoming Fed meetings [2][3] - Inflation expectations have shown some decline in consumer sentiment surveys, which may provide a more optimistic outlook [4] - The upcoming labor market report is anticipated to be a significant catalyst for future Fed decisions [5][7] Market Reactions and Yield Trends - The 10-year Treasury yield is currently fluctuating around 4.18%, with expectations that it may remain in this range despite potential Fed rate cuts [10][11] - Elevated inflation and fiscal concerns are likely to keep long-term yields high, impacting mortgage rates and housing market pressures [11][12][13] - The relationship between long-term yields and the Fed funds rate is under scrutiny, as investors may demand higher yields in an inflationary environment [11][12]

Economic Outlook - The Federal Reserve is expected to cut rates by 25 basis points now, with potential for two more cuts by the end of the year, leading to a year-end target for Fed funds at no higher than 3.63% [2][3] - Concerns are raised about the near disappearance of job growth in the US economy, which may necessitate continued rate cuts unless satisfactory job growth resumes [3][10] Consumer Spending and Sentiment - Consumer spending is projected to slow, with expectations of disinflation resuming in early 2026, despite recent reports indicating growth in retail sales for August [4][8] - A significant drop in consumer sentiment was noted, with early September readings from the University of Michigan in the bottom 1.5% of all monthly readings since 1878, indicating increased consumer worry about the future [7][10] Labor Market Dynamics - There is a disconnect between the labor market and consumer sentiment, with consumer spending remaining resilient despite weak job growth readings [10][14] - For consumer spending to remain robust, job growth needs to increase by approximately 100,000 jobs or more per month; otherwise, it may negatively impact consumer spending [14] Holiday Season Expectations - The holiday season is anticipated to be average, with upper-income households likely to perform better, while middle and lower-income households may face spending challenges due to inflation and stagnant income growth [12][13] - The impact of tariffs and price hikes is expected to affect consumer behavior, particularly among households with multiple children who may be more conservative with their holiday spending [12][13]

Mortgage rates increased last week, according to Freddie Mac, and they’re holding steady this week. So, when will mortgage rates go down significantly, and will they do so in time for you to buy a home before the end of 2025? Are mortgage rates dropping? Yes and no. Short-term mortgage rates aren’t moving much, but annual rates have dropped. As of Nov. 13, Freddie Mac reported that the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rate had risen by two basis points to 6.24%. However, the 30-year rate is now 54 b ...

Mortgage rates have increased this week, according to Freddie Mac. However, the Federal Reserve also just cut the federal funds rate by 25 basis points for the third time this year. So, will mortgage rates go down, making 2026 the year to buy a house? Or will they stay well above 6%? Are mortgage rates dropping? Yes and no. Although mortgage rates are up weekly, annual rates have fallen. As of Dec. 11, Freddie Mac reported that the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rate had increased by three basis ...

Mortgage rates have been fluctuating over the past month, but all the changes have been small. According to Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate dropped by three basis points this week — but it’s still one basis point higher than this time last month. Stagnant rates may leave you wondering: Is it a good time to buy a house? In this article: Are mortgage rates dropping? As of Oct. 16, Freddie Mac reported that the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rate had fallen by three basis points to 6.27%. ...

Mortgage rates have been gradually decreasing, and according to Freddie Mac, they’ve decreased for four straight weeks. The Federal Reserve also just cut the federal funds rate for the second month in a row.These factors may leave you wondering: Will another Fed rate cut lead to even lower mortgage rates? And does that mean it’s a good time to buy a house? Are mortgage rates dropping? As of Oct. 30, Freddie Mac reported that the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rate had fallen by two basis points to ...

Mortgage rates have decreased for the second straight week, according to Freddie Mac. The declines are relatively small, but every little bit helps for those wanting to buy a home before the end of 2025. So, will rates continue to go down this year? Are mortgage rates dropping? Yes, rates are down both weekly and annually. As of Dec. 4, Freddie Mac reported that the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rate had decreased by four basis points to 6.19%. The 30-year rate is now 50 basis points lower than ...

Mortgage rates have been fluctuating over the past month, but all the changes have been small. This week, interest rates have finally made a more noticeable dip. According to Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate dropped by eight basis points this week to their lowest point in a year. Lower rates may leave you wondering: Is it a good time to buy a house? In this article: Are mortgage rates dropping? As of Oct. 23, Freddie Mac reported that the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rate had fallen b ...