Data centers are gobbling up land, driving up electric bills, and becoming a lightning rod for public discontent over big tech’s power in society. Maine’s legislature recently passed a data center ban in the state (but failed to override the governor’s veto). According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 14 states spanning the political…
My top 10 things to watch Monday, April 13 1. Dow futures are down almost 500 points this morning and WTI crude is back above $100 a barrel after President Donald Trump said the U.S. would implement a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Peace talks between Washington and Tehran were unsuccessful this weekend. I…
The stock market just closed out a rough week — and according to CNBC’s Jim Cramer, the pain is unlikely to end anytime soon. With little on the calendar in terms of major corporate earnings or economic data next week, the inverse relationship between oil and stocks will take on even more importance. It’s been…
A realtor gives neighbors a tour during an open house at a home in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, on Jan. 11, 2026. Zak Bennett | Bloomberg | Getty Images Spring is traditionally the busiest season for home sales, and while this year’s market dynamics have shifted strongly in favor of buyers, broader forces in the…
In an aerial view, two-story single family homes line the streets of neighborhood on Jan. 13, 2026 in Thousand Oaks, California. Kevin Carter | Getty Images Mortgage rates surged to their highest level since September on Friday as bond yields moved higher due to the war in Iran. The average rate on the 30-year fixed…
Home sales made a small gain to start the year, but higher mortgage rates now could throw cold water on the spring season. Existing home sales in February rose 1.7% from January to a seasonally adjusted, annualized rate of 4.09 million units, according to the National Association of Realtors. Sales were down 1.4% from February of…
Lifestylevisuals | E+ | Getty Images When it comes to buying a house, affordability continues to slowly improve. U.S. households that have a median income — an estimated $86,300 — and enough money for a 20% down payment can now afford a $331,483 home, up $30,302 from $301,181 a year ago, according to a new…
My top 10 things to watch Thursday, Jan. 8 1. The S & P 500 was headed for a lower open this morning, retreating from its all-time intraday highs seen during the prior session. Fresh economic data this morning was largely positive. The index did, however, close lower yesterday after President Donald Trump said that…
In another attempt to make homebuying more affordable, President Donald Trump floated the idea of a 50-year mortgage in a social media post. In response, Federal Housing Finance Agency director Bill Pulte, who oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, posted that they are “working on it,” and that it would be, “a complete game-changer.” The…
The average rate on the 30-year fixed mortgage dropped 16 basis points to 6.29% on Friday, according to Mortgage News Daily, following the release of a weaker-than-expected August employment report. It marks the lowest rate since Oct. 3 and the biggest one-day drop since August 2024. Rates are finally breaking out of the high 6%…
