Jack Misraje

Mortgage rates increased this week primarily due to climbing oil prices, while core CPI inflation remained steady at 2.5%, the lowest since 2021. Shelter costs rose 3.0% annually, with rent increases slowing to 0.1% monthly, the smallest since January 2021. Existing home sales rose 2% in February, with median prices up slightly to $398,000, amid low inventory levels.

Mortgage rates increased this week primarily due to climbing oil prices, while inflation indicators like Core CPI held steady at 2.5% annually. Shelter costs rose 3.0% year-over-year, with rent increases slowing to 0.1% monthly, the smallest since 2021. Existing home sales rose 2% in February, though inventories remain tight at a 3.8-month supply nationally.

Tariff developments and geopolitical tensions kept markets uneasy this week, but the biggest surprise came from soft inflation data....