Wilmington’s apartment growth since 2020 is second in the nation, only behind Huntsville, Alabama. However, even with that growth, median rents are still up 24% since pre-pandemic levels. Jobless claims held steady and Freddie Mac had mortgage rates also falling under 6.0%, slightly below Mortgage News Daily’s 30-year index.

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It was a boring day for bond markets after the two major economic reports came in as expected. Consumer confidence rose to a 4-month high, but after falling to a 14-year low they really only had one direction to move. Home price growth continued to slow to close out 2025. And all eyes are on Washington as the President will give his first State of the Union in his second term.

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Rates fall to a 3-year low as global markets react to the Supreme Court decision striking down IEEPA powers that the Trump administration was using to implement most of the tariffs. President Trump announced on Friday that he would put a 10% tariff on all foreign imports, which he later increased to 15% over the weekend. This new tariff is confusing global markets, which is causing rates to fall.

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Rates rose slightly on FOMC minutes that showed that while the board is happy with the economy, they need more proof before they lower rates. Despite new tariffs, the trade deficit ended the year close to all-time highs. In an unrelated topic, Tyler breaks down the amazing gift that is air travel.

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It was a slow start to the week with the bond markets closed for President’s Day, so we reminisced about how great last week was for rates. It’s a busy week ahead with building data, FOMC minutes, and GDP growth. And Nick Timiraos writes about the potential for a soft landing.

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It was another good day for rates as the 10-year fell to a two-month low. We just don’t know why it happened. Jobless claims were slightly worse than expected and existing-home sales fell to a 16-month low to start 2026, but neither report would really explain the drop in rates

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Retail sales were unexpectedly flat in December and were down year-over-year when adjusted for inflation. Total household debt rose along with delinquencies, but it was not as bad as some want you to think. Slower consumer spending could lead to looser monetary policy and lower rates.

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Nick Timiraos says no rate cuts at Wednesday’s meeting and no one knows when they will start again, the dollar falls as foreign investors grow concerned about US policy, and consumer confidence plummets to an 11-year low to start 2026…

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Durable goods orders jumped 5.3% in November (the best month since May), a new report finds that AI spending was the biggest driver of economic growth in 2025, and the markets prepare for Fed week…

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Mortgage rates rose slightly as Japan’s financial problems exacerbated ongoing geopolitical tensions between the US and Europe.

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