The Federal Reserve kept its rates unchanged as it waits for information on how tariffs and other economic disruptions will affect the economy. The Fed still expects to cut rates twice this year, as growth slows and unemployment increases. In …
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The total home improvement market is projected to grow 3.4% in 2025, a reduction from the 5% growth projected in the Home Improvement Research Institute’s (HIRI) March outlook. HIRI announced findings from its latest U.S. Size of the Home Improvement …
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The Conference Board released its March Consumer Confidence Survey, which reports consumer attitude, buying intentions, vacation plans and expectations for inflation, stock prices and interest rates. The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index fell 7.2 points in March to 92.9. The …
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Existing home sales rose 4.2% in February according to data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR). For both monthly and year-over-year (YoY) sales, two major U.S. regions experienced growth, one region remained stable and two others noted a decline. …
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Mortgage rates have been climbing since mid-December, with an average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage reaching 6.96% in January, before easing after the bond market stabilized following President Donald Trump’s postponement of tariffs until Feb. 1, the National Association of Home Builders …
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The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.4% on a seasonally adjusted basis in December, after rising 0.3% in November, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The all items index rose 2.9% for the 12 …
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In 2024, economic growth withstood inflation, high interest rates and other global challenges and should continue to show strength in 2025, says National Retail Federation chief economist Jack Kleinhenz. “The U.S. economy ended 2024 on a high note and the …
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The Federal Reserve cut interest rates for its third straight meeting, this time by 25 basis points to 4.25%-4.50%. It also issued projections calling for two quarter-point interest rate cuts in 2025 amid rising inflation. Members of the committee say …
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