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Cotality’s latest Home Price Insights report shows home values dipped just 0.2% in December. Even with this modest monthly pullback, prices are still 0.9% higher than a year ago, reflecting only a slight slowdown from November’s 1% annual gain. What’s the bottom line?The bigger picture remains positive. Cotality now forecasts home values will rise 4.5% […]

The softness seen in ADP is not an outlier. Revelio Labs reported 13,300 job losses in January in their non-farm payroll release. Their results gained prominence during last fall’s government shutdown, when official BLS data was delayed. Unemployment claims also point to cooling conditions. Initial jobless claims rose by 22,000 to 231,000, the highest level […]

The private sector added just 22,000 jobs in January, according to ADP – less than half of the 48,000 expected. Hiring was flat at small businesses, while medium-sized firms drove gains with 41,000 jobs. Large employers, by contrast, cut 18,000 jobs. Job growth was uneven across industries. Four of ten sectors lost jobs, and three […]

These crowd-pleasing Guacamole and Fresh Baked Tortilla Chips from Food Network are easy to make and perfect for game day or any favorite celebration! Yields 4 to 6 servings. To make the guacamole, coarsely mash 4 avocados in a medium bowl, then gently fold in 1/2 medium white onion (minced), 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, and […]

Initial jobless claims fell by 1,000 to 209,000, while continuing claims declined by 38,000 to 1.827 million, though they have remained elevated for much of the past year. Some workers appear to be opting for gig or contract roles instead of filing for unemployment, while others are facing longer job searches. December’s Producer Price Index […]

The Case-Shiller Home Price Index, one of the most closely watched measures of home values, recorded a 0.1% decline fromOctober to November before seasonal adjustments. After accounting for normal seasonal patterns, prices rose 0.4%. On anannual basis, national home prices remain 1.4% higher than a year ago, matching October’s year-over-year gain. The FHFA Home Price […]

As widely expected, the Federal Reserve held its benchmark Federal Funds Rate steady at a range of 3.50%-3.75%, followingthree consecutive 25 basis point cuts to end last year. While the Fed Funds Rate doesn’t directly determine mortgage rates, itplays a key role in shaping borrowing costs across the broader economy. What’s the bottom line?Although the […]

President Trump announced plans to nominate Kevin Warsh as the next chair of the Federal Reserve, selecting a former central bank official who has echoed the president’s criticism of the Fed’s recent handling of monetary policy and its role in the surge in inflation over the past several years. Warsh served on the Fed’s Board […]

Enjoy these Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes on National Blueberry Pancake Day, January 28, or anytime you’re craving a special breakfast. This Food Network recipe serves 4 to 6. In a large bowl, sift together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. In a […]

Initial jobless claims rose by 1,000 to 200,000 in the latest week, remaining low by historical standards. Continuing claims – workers receiving benefits beyond the first week – fell by 26,000 to 1.849 million. What’s the bottom line?First-time claims remain low, reflecting limited layoffs and the growing role of the gig economy. More displaced workers […]

After a delay caused by the government shutdown, the final estimate for Q3 2025 GDP is in. The U.S. economy grew at a 4.4%annualized rate – slightly above the initial 4.3% estimate and the strongest quarterly growth since Q3 2023. This marks a clear acceleration from 3.8% growth in Q2 and a sharp rebound from […]

Pending Home Sales declined 9.3% from November to December after rising in each of the prior four months, according to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). Signed contracts on existing homes were also down 3% from a year earlier. What’s the bottom line?NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said December data can be difficult to interpret […]

The government released the delayed Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) report for October and November, with results largely matching expectations. Headline and core inflation both rose 0.2% in each month, leaving the annual rate at 2.8%. Core PCE, which excludes food and energy, is the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation measure. What’s the bottom line?The Fed continues […]

These Chocolate Chunk Blondies from Food Network are a delicious way to celebrate National Blonde Brownie Day on January 22. This recipe yields 12 rich, decadent treats. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease and flour an 8x12x2-inch baking pan. In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream 2 sticks of unsalted, room-temperature […]

Labor market data continue to point to a “low-fire, low-hire” environment. Initial jobless claims fell by 9,000 to 198,000, while continuing claims declined by 19,000 to 1.884 million, though they have remained elevated for much of the past year. Delayed November Producer Price Index data showed wholesale inflation rising 0.2% month over month and 3% […]