A vote to reappoint 11 of the Fed's 12 regional bank presidents puts an end to speculation that the Trump administration might try to unseat inflation hawks opposed to interest rate cuts
The president jokingly told Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent that his job is also on the line if rates don't come down, as poll shows inflation will be a key issue in 2026 midterm elections
The resignation of Biden appointee Adriana Kugler and pending retirement of Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic renews speculation that Trump will seek to undermine Fed independence
NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said Friday there could be a brief bump in home sales after the government shutdown. Here are the other market forces he's watching
FHFA acting Inspector General John "Joe" Allen is set to be fired, Reuters reports, and the position is now vacant as the mortgage giants move toward a public offering
After the Federal Reserve approved the second rate cut of the year, mortgage rates moved in the opposite direction as investors who fund most home loans worry about inflation
Rates on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages hit another 2025 low on Tuesday, dropping to 6.12%, nearly a full percentage point lower than January. Rates now have less room to come down
Trump loyalist Kevin Hassett is seen as the most likely pick to lead the Federal Reserve Board next year. Critics say doubts about the central bank's independence could put upward pressure on rates
James calls allegations over $109,600 mortgage baseless retribution and a 'continuation of the president’s desperate weaponization of our justice system'
The legal battle over the Fed's independence will drag into next year, with the Supreme Court to hear oral arguments in January on the Trump administration's bid to fire Cook
Lower courts have ruled Cook can continue to serve on the central bank's board while she challenges the Trump administration's move to fire her over unproven mortgage allegations
But an overall weakening labor market could include a silver lining for real estate as it puts downward pressure on mortgage rates
Cook's attorneys say she did not commit mortgage fraud and is being targeted by the Trump administration to undermine the Federal Reserve's independence
The lawsuit alleges that a move to terminate Lisa Cook would violate the Federal Reserve Act, which requires 'cause' for a governor's removal, and gives Cook the right to notice and a hearing
Trump has attempted to remove Lisa Cook from the rate-setting board over allegations made by the head of FHFA. Cook has denied wrongdoing and said she would continue serving on the board