Commentary

WWU Center for Economic and Business Research️ 2 hours ago

Are millennials frozen out of the housing market? The reality may be more interesting. An eye-catching report said the average first-time homebuyer is now 40, but the story is more complex. It’s probably not true that the average first-time home buyer is that much older than before (~33 years old), despite the NAR’s questionnaire results. But it is true that millennials have found homeownership harder to attain than earlier generations. https://buff.ly/goc6kwh

WWU Center for Economic and Business Research️ 4 hours ago

Last week stocks fell as volatility and uncertainty over the future of rate cuts put pressure on investors. Treasury yields declined across the board, reflecting risk-off sentiment amid rising concerns about slowing economic growth. Payroll employment was stronger than expected, increasing 119,000 in September; however, the unemployment rate ticked up to 4.4%, suggesting that although the labor market remained steady, signs of weakness are emerging. The final University of Michigan consumer sentiment index for November checked in at 51.0, up from the preliminary reading of 50.3, but below October’s final reading of 53.6 and significantly below last year’s November reading of 71.8. Inflation expectations remained flat month-over-month at 4.6%. Although the government shutdown has ended, some data for the month of October will not be recovered. @Chmura Economics & Analytics

WWU Center for Economic and Business Research️ 6 hours ago

Trump said he expects much lower interest rates once he can install a new Fed chair, but growing opposition inside the central bank to a December rate cut suggests he might not get his way. https://buff.ly/ljk6xMR

WWU Center for Economic and Business Research️ 7 hours ago

Retail roulette: How Trump’s tariffs altered buying. Ever-changing tariff rates have introduced uncertainty and confusion for retail buyers. But could they also present an opportunity for new supply chain strategies? https://buff.ly/Ojyb3jW

WWU Center for Economic and Business Research️ 20 hours ago

It is time we start talking a lot more about this: Geothermal’s time has finally come. This source of energy could become bigger than nuclear. https://buff.ly/Lr0mM8n

WWU Center for Economic and Business Research️ 22 hours ago

As far as Americans are concerned, the future of their wallets is looking glum. With inflation having hit 3% and unemployment rising to 4.4%, the third part of the troubled trifecta, US consumer sentiment, has fallen to one of the lowest levels on record. The final November sentiment index dropped to 51 from 53.6 in October, according to the University of Michigan. Views of personal finances were the dimmest since 2009.