Wednesday, April 12, 2023 / by Fahad Karamat
When it comes to U.S. inflation, it's not all about the Benjamins. Sometimes, it's about the eggs! Recent data paints a brighter picture of U.S. inflation, with egg prices playing a significant role. But will the Federal Reserve whisk things up with another interest rate hike?
A Dive into the Numbers
As they say, numbers never lie, and in March, the story they tell is one of cooling down. U.S. inflation saw its lowest level in nearly two years, with the consumer-price index ticking up by only 5% year-over-year. A welcome change, considering February's 6% ascent. This moderation was fueled by drops in grocery, gasoline, medical care, and utility costs, though frequent fliers and insurance hunters might still be feeling the pinch with high prices.
Peeling Back Layers: The Core Inflation Narrative
Strip away the volatile food and energy prices and you get core inflation. At 5.6% YoY in March, it's a subtle nudge up from February's 5.5%. Shelter costs are the main culprits behind; ...
Read More
news, interest rate, fed, inflation
Wednesday, March 22, 2023 / by Fahad Karamat
In a twist that feels straight out of a Wall Street thriller, the collapse of behemoths like Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank has created a complex chessboard for the Federal Reserve. Amidst the glamour of the Golden State, the intricate dance between interest rates, banking stability, and economic indicators is worthy of a Hollywood drama. And guess what? You have a front-row seat!
Setting the Stage: The Recent Rate Hike
As the curtains rise, the Federal Reserve announces a 0.25% uptick in the federal funds rate. This decision was not just a random act but was backed by numbers: encouraging signs of moderate growth, robust job gains, and the ever-elusive low unemployment rates. However, the inflation's incessant drumbeat at a rambunctious 6.0% as of February 2023 added some suspense.
Diving Deeper: Why the Rate Hike?
For those who enjoy a good flashback scene, remember the gloomy days of the pandemic-induced recession? The Feds then played the good cop by keeping the! ...
Read More
mortgage, news, silicon valley bank
Wednesday, March 15, 2023 / by Fahad Karamat
In the vibrant tapestry of financial markets, few threads are as interconnected as banking and real estate. Recent tremors in the banking sphere, especially the unexpected downfall of giants like Silicon Valley Bank, have everyone talking – not just at high-end Californian soirées. It's created ripples that could morph into tidal waves for real estate and mortgage landscapes. Let's surf these waves and find out how.
The Butterfly Effect: Banks and Their Influence
When a bank, particularly one of Silicon Valley Bank's stature, meets its downfall, it is more than just a page-turner in the business section. It signals potential shifts in economic tides. Lawrence Yun, chief economist of the National Association of REALTORS®, suggests that the Federal Reserve may pump the brakes on its interest rate hikes, given the bank mishaps. That's economics' domino effect in play.
Freddie Mac and the Rising Mortgage Thermometer
Freddie Mac's stats are like the weather upda! ...
Read More
news, silicon valley bank
Saturday, January 28, 2023 / by Fahad Karamat
Get your paddles ready, investors! The luxe surf of LA County's real estate market is catching a promising wave. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), June witnessed the first increase in pending home sales since February, rising a modest 0.3 percent from the previous month. The tide may be turning, and July looks set to be a sizzling hot month for luxury home sales!
A Promise of Recovery in the Housing Market
Despite the nationwide dip in existing-home sales last month, the first glimmers of a recovery are beginning to emerge. The housing recession appears to have blown over, and it's not just the Santa Ana winds stirring up the change. Multiple offers on properties indicate an unsatiated demand hampered only by a lack of supply. But fear not; the stage is set for a spectacular comeback!
Builders, Gear Up! The Stage is Set for a Construction Revival
When the going gets tough, the tough starts building. With the housing demand exceeding supply, it's tim ...
Read More
real estate, news
