By many private-sector measures, the cost to sign a new lease on a house or apartment is rising at a much slower rate than it was in the recent past — and may even be falling.
Yes, but: Government inflation data shows the opposite. Therein lies a key mystery for the economy in 2024.
The world's richest economy is piling on more debt, with no end in sight as the stakes get higher.
Why it matters: The U.S. public debt surged during the pandemic and recently passed $34 trillion — a record even when accounting for inflation, according to recent data.
In 2023, existing home sales fell to their lowest level in nearly 30 years, but now there are some early signals that the market is picking back up.
Why it matters: If the trends hold — and that is a big "if" — housing market activity hit bottom in 2023, and more homes will be bought and sold in the coming months.
With consumer sentiment surging and the stock market setting record highs, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen will travel to the Midwest this week to promote President Biden's economic record and take a rare shot at former President Trump's approach.
