Resources

CPI tracks how much the prices of everyday goods (like groceries, gas, and clothing) change over time. It’s one of the most common ways to measure inflation. 🔗BLS CPI Overview

PPI measures how much businesses pay for raw materials and goods before they reach consumers. Rising PPI can signal higher consumer prices ahead. 🔗BLS PPI Overview

PCE tracks what people actually spend on goods and services, adjusting when buying habits change (like switching brands). This makes it the Fed’s favorite inflation gauge. 🔗BEA PCE Info

Headline inflation includes all prices (even volatile food & energy). Core strips those out to give a smoother, long-term view of inflation. 🔗Investopedia – Inflation Explained

The Fed is America’s central bank. It manages money supply, inflation, and interest rates to keep the economy stable. 🔗Federal Reserve Basics

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meets 8 times a year to set short-term interest rates, which ripple into mortgage rates, credit cards, and loans. 🔗FOMC FAQs

A basis point = 0.01%. So a 25 bps cut = 0.25% drop in rates. (Wall Street shorthand that sounds fancier than it is!) 🔗Basis Point Defined

Mortgage rates often follow the 10-year Treasury yield. When yields fall, borrowing costs (including mortgages) usually fall too. 🔗Treasury Yield Basics

This tool tracks what the market thinks the Fed will do next with interest rates—almost like a betting market for Fed decisions. 🔗CME FedWatch

Measures whether the typical family earns enough to afford the typical home. A score of 100 = exactly affordable; below 100 = stretched. 🔗NAR Affordability Index

When homeowners don’t want to sell because they’d lose their super-low mortgage rate. It keeps inventory tight, even when buyers are ready. 🔗Rate-Lock Effect Explained

This is the number of new mortgage applications filed for home purchases. It’s a forward-looking sign of buyer demand. 🔗MBA Weekly Apps Survey

The average number of days a home takes to sell once it’s listed. Rising DOM = slowing market. 🔗NAR Housing Glossary

The average number of days a home takes to sell once it’s listed. Rising DOM = slowing market. 🔗NAR Housing Glossary

Compares what homes are listed for vs. what they actually sell for. A ratio close to 100% = buyers are paying close to asking. 🔗NAR Housing Glossary

Tracks market emotions (are investors feeling cautious or greedy?). High = optimism, Low = fear. 🔗CNN Fear & Greed Index

An independent inflation tracker that uses real-time data (like online prices) instead of government surveys. 🔗Truflation Dashboard