This week on Inside the Economy, we explore consumer spending, interest rates, world markets, and where oil stands today. Recent data shows consumer spending continues to be elevated while wage increases are slowing, with wage earners feeling the pressure. Households earning $125,000 or less are beginning to experience greater financial strain, but is this a temporary squeeze or could it be the start of a broader shift in consumer behavior? Homes currently on the market are taking longer to sell, and prices have come down somewhat. Would another increase in interest rates push prices down even further, and would that be a good thing for the overall health of the real estate market? Foreign holdings of U.S. financial assets have changed over time. In 2010, foreign investors held 33 percent of U.S. equities. What is that share in 2026? U.S. imports from Asia have risen significantly, but that growth is increasingly coming from countries other than China, while imports from China have declined to their lowest level in years. Which other countries are exporting more to the U.S., and what might the future hold for the trade relationship between the U.S. and China? Tune in to learn more.
Key Takeaways:
- 30-year Mortgage at 6.66%
- S&P 500 Net Profit Margin expected to be 15.7% in Q2 2026
- U.S. GDP growth rate at 1.5% in Q1
