All indications point to a rate cut by the Federal Reserve this week. What’s behind the Fed’s rationale? Let’s look at three key metrics. Aided by lower gasoline prices and stable prices for consumer goods, the rate of inflation has slowed dramatically.

Market pullbacks are to be expected. They are incorporated into the financial plan. But like an unexpected traffic jam, they are exceedingly difficult to predict. Early August was one such event. The turbulence began at the end of July in the wake of seemingly minor news—the U.S. BLS reported another rise in the unemployment rate, which forced some investors to re-evaluate their view of a recession.

Fed Chief Powell’s much-anticipated speech against the picturesque backdrop of the Grand Tetons in Jackson Hole, WY, virtually assures that the Fed will reduce interest rates next month. In a short 16-minute speech, Powell said the magic words. “The time has come for policy to adjust.

As expected, the Federal Reserve kept its key rate, the fed funds rate, unchanged at 5.25 – 5.50%. After holding the fed funds rate steady for a year, Fed Chief Jay Powell twice-mentioned that a September rate cut is on the table at his press conference.

As expected, the Federal Reserve kept its key rate, the fed funds rate, unchanged at 5.25 – 5.50%. After holding the fed funds rate steady for a year, Fed Chief Jay Powell twice-mentioned that a September rate cut is on the table at his press conference.

The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the largest measure of goods and services, expanded at a brisk annualized pace of 2.8% in the second quarter. That’s up from 1.4% in the first quarter and well ahead of Bloomberg’s estimate of 2.0%.

The labor market is moving back into balance. No longer do we come across articles touting the Great Resignation. In 2021 and 2022, it was ‘advantage employee.’ Employees still have some leverage, but the pendulum has gradually been swinging back to employers. Of course, this varies from industry to industry, but conditions are generally balanced.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that nonfarm payrolls rose a solid 206,000 in June, topping the consensus forecast offered by Bloomberg News of 190,000. However, first glances may not always leave the correct impression. Private sector payrolls increased by a more modest 136,000, and nonfarm payrolls were revised downward by 111,000 in April and May.

What happens when mortgage rates tumble below 3% and then spike above 7%? Unintended consequences are bound to play out. In hindsight, they aren’t difficult to spot. You’re a winner if you have no intention of moving and were lucky enough to lock in ultra-cheap rates just a few years ago. Those who want to move or renters who want to buy are less fortunate.