Inputs to residential construction, goods less food and energy, increased for the fourth consecutive month to a new high, according to the most recent Producer Price Index (PPI) report published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The index for inputs to residential construction, goods less food and energy, represents building materials used in residential…

According to the Federal Reserve’s G.19 Consumer Credit Report, student loans in the fourth quarter of 2023 totaled $1.73 trillion (non-seasonally adjusted), reflecting a decrease of 2.1% over the year and following an annual decrease of 1.7% in the previous quarter. The third quarter of 2023 marked the first year-over-year decrease for student loan debt…

According to the 2023 fourth quarter release of the Federal Reserve Z.1 Financial Accounts of the United States , the market value of household real estate assets fell from $45.21 trillion to $44.84 trillion in the fourth quarter of 2023. Over the year, household real estate assets were 5.28% higher. Between the third and fourth…

As examined in a previous post, homeownership plays an integral role in a household’s accumulation of wealth. This article further discusses the role of homeownership and examines the difference between homeowner and renter household balance sheets across assets, debt, and net worth. Households who own a primary residence (homeowners) build primary residence equity, while renters…

In February, job gains continued despite elevated interest rates. The unemployment rate increased while the labor force participation rate held steady. February’s jobs report shows that the labor market remains resilient but shows signs of slowing. Additionally, wage growth slowed slightly in February. On a year-over-year basis (YOY), wages grew 4.3% in February, following a…

The volume of total outstanding acquisition, development and construction (AD&C) loans posted a decline during the fourth quarter of 2023 as interest rates increased and financial conditions tightened. However, AD&C loan conditions will improve in 2024 as the Fed begins easing monetary policy. The volume of 1-4 unit residential construction loans made by FDIC-insured institutions…