This week, the Federal Reserve maintained the federal funds rate at 3.50 to 3.75%, with a notable split among officials. Core PCE inflation rose to 3.2%, the highest since November 2023, while geopolitical tensions in the Middle East added volatility to mortgage markets. Housing starts surged 11% in March, reaching the highest level since December 2024, despite a drop in building permits.

Mortgage markets experienced volatility this week due to Middle East conflict negotiations, while consumer spending surged 1.7% in March, exceeding forecasts. Despite the strong retail sales, mortgage rates ended slightly higher, influenced by geopolitical tensions and economic data. This dynamic impacts buyers and sellers navigating the Los Angeles residential market.

Sales of previously owned homes fell 4% in March to the lowest level since June 2025, with median prices rising only 1% year-over-year to $408,800. Builder sentiment dropped to its lowest since September 2025, reflecting increased material costs and sales incentives. These trends highlight a cautious market environment influenced by inflation and geopolitical developments.

A temporary ceasefire in the Middle East led to a sharp decline in oil prices this week, easing inflation concerns and causing mortgage rates to fall slightly. The Consumer Price Index rose 0.9% in March, matching expectations, with shelter costs up 3.0% annually. These dynamics influenced the Los Angeles housing market's financing environment.

This week, the U.S. economy added 178,000 jobs in March, the largest gain since December 2024, while the ISM manufacturing index rose to 52.7, signaling sector expansion. These strong economic indicators tempered mortgage rate declines despite easing Middle East tensions. Los Angeles buyers and sellers should note the resilient job market and manufacturing growth as key factors influencing local real estate conditions.

Mortgage rates climbed to their highest levels in about eight months this week, driven primarily by rising oil prices amid a stable labor market with weekly jobless claims at 210,000. The conflict in the Middle East continues to inject uncertainty, influencing both employer hiring and worker confidence in Los Angeles and beyond.

Mortgage rates climbed to their highest levels in about eight months, driven primarily by rising oil prices amid a light week for economic data. The latest weekly jobless claims matched forecasts at 210,000, reflecting a stable labor market with low hiring and firing rates. This cautious economic environment is influenced by uncertainty from the Middle East conflict and elevated oil costs.

This week, the Federal Reserve kept rates unchanged at 3.50 to 3.75%, with mortgage rates influenced primarily by rising oil prices and geopolitical tensions. New home sales plunged 18% in January, signaling challenges ahead for the housing market. Investors are cautious as the conflict in the Middle East adds uncertainty to economic forecasts.

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 remained steady at 2.5%. Shelter costs rose 3.0% annually, with rent increases slowing to 0.1% monthly, the smallest since 2021. Existing home sales rose 2% in February, with median prices up slightly to $398,000, reflecting tight inventories in the Los Angeles market.

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.

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%. Existing home sales rose 2% in February, but inventories remain low at a 3.8-month supply nationally, impacting the Los Angeles housing market.

Mortgage rates increased this week primarily due to climbing oil prices, while key inflation reports like Core CPI at 2.5% year-over-year met expectations and caused little market reaction. Shelter costs rose 3.0% annually, with rent increases slowing to 0.1% from January, the smallest since 2021, signaling ongoing challenges in the housing market. Existing home sales rose 2% in February, with median prices up slightly to $398,000.

​ Tariff developments and geopolitical tensions kept markets uneasy this week, but the biggest surprise came from soft inflation data. Mortgage rates responded positively and ended the week slightly lower. Consumer Inflation Falls Below Forecast The Consumer Price Index (CPI), a key inflation gauge, showed that core prices rose just 0.1 percent in May, far below the expected 0.3 percent increase. Year over year, Core CPI was up 2.8 percent, maintaining its lowest level since