Economic indicators

The selloff in US equities accelerated Monday, with major averages tumbling to their worst day this year, as investors braced for a slowdown in the American economy.

Independent monetary policymakers have resisted President Trump's call to lower financing costs but could find it harder to ignore employment losses.

Consumers expect prices will climb at an annual rate of 3.5% over the next five to 10 years, according to the final February reading from the University of Michigan.

While mortgage employment is lower year-over-year, the mixed bag of data makes it more likely that borrowing rates will remain higher for longer.

The Federal Reserve's preferred measure of underlying inflation remained muted in December and real incomes were soft, which should support further reductions in interest rates this year.

Inflation-adjusted gross domestic product increased an annualized 2.3% in the fourth quarter after rising 3.1% in the prior three-month period, according to the government's initial estimate published Thursday.

A surge in overall employment added to upward pressure on the 10-year Treasury yield, likely making the industry think twice about its cautious payroll growth.

The so-called core personal consumption expenditures price index, which excludes food and energy items, increased 0.1% from October and 2.8% from a year earlier, according to Bureau of Economic Analysis data out Friday.

The so-called core personal consumption expenditures price index, which strips out volatile food and energy items, increased 2.8% from October last year and 0.3% from a month earlier, according to Bureau of Economic Analysis data out Wednesday.

The Conference Board's gauge of confidence rose 2.1 points to 111.7 this month, data released Tuesday showed.

Donald Trump's presidential victory, stubbornly elevated inflation and a steady drumbeat of strong economic data have pushed 10-year Treasury yields up sharply since mid-September — and there's no clear consensus of where they're likely to go.

In 2022, 52% of the U.S. population lived in families that are unable to "pay for all the goods and services necessary to fully participate in today's economy and society without cutting back, as well as save money for emergencies and the future," the study found.

A measure of underlying U.S. inflation remained firm in October, underscoring the ongoing risks Federal Reserve officials face in trying to bring price pressures fully under control.

A strong economy drove mortgage rates higher in the past week but it's still an advantageous market for consumers in some ways, according to Freddie Mac.

The higher-than-expected inflation figures will likely amplify the debate whether the Federal Reserve will opt for a small interest-rate cut next month or pause.

Stronger than expected numbers for overall U.S. employment additions have diminished lender hopes for steeper rate drops, and industry hiring has been tepid.

While consumers still see a low chance of a recession in the next year, there was a "slight uptick" in the share that believes the economy is already in a downturn.

Lower inflation doesn't equate to lower prices, and costs of living may still be higher than pre-pandemic, especially rents. But the varying cooldown could help.

While the shelter-related increase won't deter the Fed from cutting interest rates, it reduces the chance of an outsize reduction.