The U.S. bond market is suddenly flashing a warning sign about the economy - MarketWatch## Market Extra# The U.S. bond market is suddenly flashing a warning sign about the economy## 'Fears that the economy was overheating were totally misplaced,' says one chief executivePublished: Feb. 10, 2026 at 11:42 a.m. ETShareResize---Listen(4 min)December's flat retail-sales reading was forcing a recalibration in bond markets on Tuesday. Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty ImagesTuesday's delayed retail-sales data for Decem ...

Core Insights - Growth in U.S. labor costs unexpectedly slowed in Q4, marking the smallest annual increase in 4.5 years due to softening demand for labor [1][2] - The Employment Cost Index (ECI) rose 0.7% in Q4, lower than the 0.8% increase forecasted by economists [1][2] - Labor costs increased by 3.4% in the 12 months through December, the smallest gain since Q2 2021, down from a 3.5% increase in the year through September [2] Labor Market Dynamics - A lackluster labor market is restraining wage growth, with the ratio of job openings to unemployed persons dropping to 0.87 in December from 0.89 in November and about 1.08 a year ago [3] - Despite diminished wage pressures, import tariffs have contributed to elevated goods prices, keeping inflation high [3] Federal Reserve Outlook - Economists anticipate that the Federal Reserve will maintain steady interest rates through the first half of the year, with the current benchmark overnight interest rate set between 3.50% and 3.75% [4] Wage Trends - Wages and salaries, which constitute the majority of labor costs, rose 0.7% in Q4, following a 0.8% increase in Q3, and advanced 3.3% on an annual basis [5] - When adjusted for inflation, overall wages increased by 0.7% in the 12 months through December, compared to a 0.6% rise in Q3 [5]

The The dollar held its losses and Treasuries were steady as traders geared up for Wednesday’s US jobs report. Gold and silver fell in early trading on Tuesday as investors took profits in a choppy market that’s still trying to find a floor following a historic rout.The gains in stocks signaled easing concerns around the AI trade that came to a head in the past two weeks, lashing software companies and casting a pall over high-spending tech companies. While that plays out, traders are now bracing for key e ...

Core Insights - Today's CD rates are significantly higher than the national average, with the Federal Reserve reducing its target interest rate three times in 2025, indicating a potential last opportunity to secure high rates with certificates of deposit [1] Group 1: Best CD Rates - As of February 9, 2026, the highest CD rate available is 4% APY, offered by Marcus by Goldman Sachs for a 1-year CD [2] - The article provides a comparison of the best CD rates from verified partners, highlighting competitive offers in the market [2] Group 2: National Average CD Rates - The national average CD rate for a 1-year term is 1.61% as of January 2026, which is significantly lower than the best available rates [3] - Current average CD rates are among the highest seen in nearly two decades, primarily due to the Federal Reserve's strategy to combat inflation by maintaining elevated interest rates [3] Group 3: Finding the Best CD Rates - To find the best CD rates, it is advisable to shop around and compare rates from various financial institutions, especially online banks that typically offer more competitive rates due to lower overhead costs [4] - It is important to check minimum deposit requirements, as higher rates may necessitate larger initial deposits [4] - Reviewing account terms and conditions is crucial, including early withdrawal penalties and auto-renewal policies, with some CDs offering no-penalty options for greater flexibility [4]

Core Insights - Interest rates for home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) and home equity loans are currently near one-year lows, with potential for lower rates through lender comparison [1][2] - The average HELOC rate is 7.23%, while the average home equity loan rate is 7.44%, with both rates influenced by credit scores and loan-to-value ratios [2][11] - Homeowners with low primary mortgage rates may find HELOCs or home equity loans beneficial for accessing home equity without losing their favorable mortgage rates [3][12] Interest Rate Details - The 52-week low for HELOCs is 7.19%, and the low for home equity loans was 7.38% in early December 2025 [2] - The prime rate, which influences second mortgage rates, has recently fallen to 6.75%, affecting the pricing of HELOCs and home equity loans [5] - Lenders have flexibility in pricing second mortgage products, making it advantageous for borrowers to shop around for the best rates [6] Loan Characteristics - HELOCs typically have variable interest rates and may include introductory rates that last for a limited time, while home equity loans usually offer fixed rates [6][7] - The best HELOC lenders provide low fees, fixed-rate options, and generous credit lines, allowing homeowners to utilize their equity flexibly [8] - Home equity loans provide a lump sum with a fixed interest rate, simplifying repayment terms for borrowers [10] Market Context - The Federal Reserve estimates that homeowners have approximately $34 trillion in equity available, indicating a significant opportunity for accessing home equity through HELOCs and home equity loans [4] - Current market conditions suggest that it may be an opportune time for homeowners with substantial equity and low primary mortgage rates to consider these financial products for home improvements or other expenses [12]

National average rates for second mortgage products, such as home equity loans and lines of credit, are just fractions off of one-year lows. Well-qualified borrowers are likely to make up that difference if they shop for the best interest rate offers from two or three lenders. HELOC and home equity loan rates: Friday, February 6, 2026 According to real estate analytics firm Curinos, the average HELOC rate is 7.23%, down just two basis points from one month ago. The 52-week HELOC low was 7.19%. The nation ...

Core Viewpoint - ECB policymaker Jose Luis Escriva indicated that interest rates are expected to remain steady in the foreseeable future due to anchored inflation expectations [1] Group 1 - Interest rates are anticipated to stay stable, reflecting a cautious approach by the ECB in response to current economic conditions [1] - Escriva's comments suggest confidence in the stability of inflation expectations, which may influence future monetary policy decisions [1]

By Anton Bridge TOKYO, Feb 6 (Reuters) - Japan's two largest banks say they are set to increase their holdings of Japanese government bonds as rising interest rates promise higher returns, even though unrealised losses on existing bond portfolios have grown. The banks - Mitsubishi UFJ Financial ​Group and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group - have steadily cut their holdings of JGBs over the past decade as the central bank's embrace of ‌ultra-low rates meant paltry returns on offer. That trend now seems l ...

The markets this week will focus on earnings and economic news. On Friday, the University of Michigan's Jan consumer sentiment index is expected to fall by -1.4 points to 55.0.Bitcoin (^BTCUSD) plunged more than -12% on Thursday to a 1.25-year low as negative momentum deepened across cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin is down nearly 50% from its October record high, and inflows into US spot Bitcoin ETFs have reversed, with about $2 billion coming out of Bitcoin ETFs over the past month and more than $5 billion pulle ...

Wealthfront's Stock Is Down Nearly 40% from Its December IPO. Time to Jump In? - Barron'sSkip to Main ContentThis copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. Distribution and use of this material are governed by our Subscriber Agreement and by copyright law. For non-personal use or to order multiple copies, please contact Dow Jones Reprints at 1-800-843-0008 or visit www.djreprints.com.---# Wealthfront's Stock Is Down Nearly 40% From Its December IPO. Should Investors Jump In?## The company's most p ...