January 1, 2024 | Rates Take A Toll On Real Estate Too

Pending home sales plummeted to the lowest since tracking began.

Why It Matters: The housing market’s slowdown underscores the impact of higher interest rates. It’s critical to watch if a recent dip in mortgage rates can reignite home sales.

Source: Source Financial Advisor

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January 1, 2024 | This season’s ‘Santa Claus Rally’ marks the eighth straight, as markets bounced back after a tough 3rd Quarter 2023.

Why It Matters: The rally hinges on expectations of Fed rate cuts in 2024. This optimism is delicate; a shift in Fed policy could reverse markets.

Source: dailychartbook

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December 18, 2023 | Expectations of cuts have nudged down interest rates, driving mortgage rates to an 8-month low.

Why It Matters: It’s key to watch if this mortgage rate dip will reignite the housing market, enticing buyers back into the fray.

Source: dailychartbook

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December 18, 2023 | Inflation shows a cooling trend with recent figures aligning with subdued expectations.

Why It Matters: Inflation is approaching the Fed’s +2% goal, and opens the door for potential rate cuts, providing the economy a much-needed respite.

Source: Source Financial Advisors

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December 18, 2023 | Stocks moved higher as the Fed adjusts its outlook, now expecting three (3) rate cuts in 2024.

Why It Matters: Markets are factoring in these additional forecasted cuts, hinting at the sunset of the high-interest era, a transition cheered by investors.

Source: SoberLook

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December 11, 2023 | ‘”To Hike or Not to Hike?” That is the question. Markets now expect Fed and European Central Bank (ECB) rate cuts in 2024.

Why It Matters: Investors believe lower rates will boost stocks. But beware: if cuts hint at a recession, we could see a stark market drop.

Source: Daily chartbook, SoberLook

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