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Eric J. Ellman is the President of the National Consumer Reporting Association (NCRA), a trade association of highly-regulated mortgage reporting and tenant screening companies that provide consumer reports and credit reports to lenders and landlords.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics released its latest Consumer Price Index reading Friday morning, showing inflation rose by 0.3% in September, slightly below August's pace. The report also found core inflation steady at 3.0%, even as shelter costs eased and gasoline prices spiked.

Rachel Farris, CPA, is the founder of TaxStackAI.com, a company dedicated to helping small accounting firms modernize through AI-powered tools. She also leads her own accounting practice, where she focuses on strategic tax planning and advisory services. She is a recognized thought leader in the accounting profession, frequently presenting at national conferences, contributing to podcasts, and leading continuing education sessions for accounting professionals. She has been recognized as one of America's Top 200 CPAs and named among the 40 Under 40 Top Accounting and Tax Professionals.

The Long Island-based bank hasn't been profitable in eight quarters, but executives maintain that it's on the right path, citing more loan book diversity, lower expenses and an improved margin.

The number of prospective buyers touring properties in the city last week fell 8.5% from a year earlier, according to data from Bright MLS, a regional multiple listing service. It's the eighth straight weekly decline.

Alex Mechling, JD, serves as Director of Go-To-Market Strategy and Carrier Management at Paychex Insurance Agency. A benefits consulting leader with over 12 years in the field, he holds deep expertise in employee benefits, strategic planning, and digital health solutions. His professional background spans startups, private firms, and publicly traded companies, where he is recognized for driving growth through cross-functional alignment and talent development.

This is the second acquisition deal Old Republic has been involved in this year, after selling its title production business in January.

While expectations that another federal rate cut is on the way next week, other economic trends may be having a larger influence on mortgage lending.

A cohort of more than 100 Republican members of Congress sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urging the administration to protect and fund a community lending program that has been gutted despite its legal mandate and Bessent's backing.

Contract closings increased 1.5% to an annual rate of 4.06 million in September, the highest in seven months, according to National Association of Realtors figures released Thursday.