#EconomicData – Equity Markets

Mortgage Rates Just Hit 6.71%—What Does That Mean for Home Buyers in 2026?

Summary:The average U.S. 30-year fixed mortgage rate reached 6.71% on September 3, 2026, up from 6.66% a week earlier. For buyers, the increase means higher monthly principal-and-interest payments and less…

Matt Hardy October 7, 2026

Economic Data

Jobs, GDP or Inflation: Which U.S. Economic Data Matters Most for Stocks?

Summary:For U.S. stock investors, inflation often matters most in the short term because it can change Federal Reserve interest-rate expectations, which directly affect valuations. Jobs data is nearly as important…

Matt Hardy October 6, 2026

Economic Data

Why Does the U.S. Economy Feel So Expensive Even When Inflation Is Cooling?

60-Word Summary Inflation is cooling, but that does not mean prices are returning to their old levels. Americans are still paying more for housing, food, energy, medical care, insurance, and…

Matt Hardy October 6, 2026

Economic Data

What the Latest U.S. Jobs Report Means for the Economy

Summary:The latest U.S. jobs report shows a labor market that is cooling rather than collapsing. July payroll employment declined by 23,000, while unemployment edged down to 4.1%. Hiring remains uneven…

Alex October 4, 2026