Commentary

WWU Center for Economic and Business Research️ 1 hour ago

Prediction markets are being pitched on social media as a lucrative side hustle for young Americans squeezed by rent and student debt. In reality, most traders are losing money, and often significant amounts. https://buff.ly/iNOqIIl

WWU Center for Economic and Business Research️ 3 hours ago

Meanwhile... As Americans complain about pump prices and expect higher inflation, BP warns against windfall taxes as Iran war helps profits hit 3-year high. Yes, BP is concerned that some countries may impose additional taxes on their record profits. https://buff.ly/9HFY2vw

WWU Center for Economic and Business Research️ 3 hours ago

US gasoline prices hovered near highs not seen since the start of the Iran war, and Brent crude rose to $110 a barrel, delivering a 5% price spike this week as the Trump administration mulled a response to Iran’s latest proposal. https://buff.ly/qN2lMG1

WWU Center for Economic and Business Research️ 6 hours ago

The move higher in oil has also reignited bets that central banks will have to lift interest rates to contain the resulting wave of inflation, hitting bonds in the US, Europe and the UK. UK has especially been hit hard with increased borrowing costs. https://www.ft.com/content/0244cd6d-b0da-435c-9c84-7ff4f37ec9ec?utm_medium=email&utm_source=exponea&xnpe_cmp=.eJwTUuBtymHhes9WcGhhkozmHN7bvBn7y_M_fFj_YOaD2Rw-_jWGP4zPZWnU3HKMKtXXT8pPqdQvSUzKSdUvgbCL9EtSICLRlrGYgsgi0YaxMEEkXaaxUG5KZhkYF-gXFyTm6ReXFOXnpesnZvEkLD7azWCSXS7xv3d7AxMTAN_hRPA.wmFZkEc5CBp0fg&xnpe_tifc=x.zd4FY8x.18OIhuhuYJx9pJVdUZMds_OuHZhF1jbIEstIod4.oA4FYpbCJNxuHXtILuOI_jh.b7OFn8h9X84IzD4FoXbubpxDEsxkhs&syn-25a6b1a6=1

WWU Center for Economic and Business Research️ 8 hours ago

Oil hit $110 for the first time in three weeks on Tuesday as the US and Iran appeared to make little progress towards a peace deal that would unlock energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz. https://buff.ly/y4Hy7d7

WWU Center for Economic and Business Research️ 10 hours ago

The rental vacancy rate was not statistically different from the rate in the first quarter 2025. The rental vacancy rates in the Northeast and South were higher than the first quarter 2025 rates, the rate in the Midwest was lower than in first quarter 2025, and the rate in the West was not statistically different from the first quarter 2025.