Commentary

WWU Center for Economic and Business Research️ 7 hours ago

Privately-owned housing starts in January 2026 were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,487,000. This is 7.2 percent (+/- 13.7%)* above the revised December 2025 estimate of 1,387,000. January 2026: +7.2* % Change December 2025 (r): +4.8* % Change

WWU Center for Economic and Business Research️ 9 hours ago

Liquefied natural gas: the overlooked economic chokepoint. Alternatives to Gulf supplies are scarce. https://buff.ly/1BzK0iM

WWU Center for Economic and Business Research️ 9 hours ago

The Atlanta Fed's sticky-price consumer price index (CPI)—a weighted basket of items that change price relatively slowly—rose 2.5 percent (on an annualized basis) in February, following a 4.4 percent increase in January. On a year-over-year basis, the series is up 3.0 percent. https://buff.ly/VQwGaav

WWU Center for Economic and Business Research️ 11 hours ago

Eddie Bauer has announced that it is closing all 174 of its stores in bankruptcy after failing to find a buyer. The brand will continue via e-commerce and licensing; physical stores will close by April 30, 2026. https://buff.ly/5UK0yKa

WWU Center for Economic and Business Research️ 13 hours ago

On the mortgage front, Zillow is forecasting market stabilization but is warning about a weaker job market. Rates have fallen and treasury sales indicate they may fall a little more. Redfin is noting that Middle East tensions are a bigger factor than US jobs market. https://buff.ly/0YBI0GT

WWU Center for Economic and Business Research️ 15 hours ago

Total U.S. Business Applications were 496,443 in February 2026, down 5.8% from January 2026. February 2026: -5.8° % Change January 2026 (r): +6.2° % Change