Finance

Finance · 23 October 2026

Mortgage Rates Hover at 7.32% as Home Prices Slip in Select Areas

Helen Pell, Washington desk

The 30‑year fixed mortgage rate sits at 7.32%, keeping affordability tight, while some markets are beginning to see modest price declines.

Finance · 21 October 2026

France's Financial Crisis: Populists and Bond Traders in a Dance of Panic and Optimism

Helen Pell, Washington desk

In a satirical take on France's financial situation, the country's populist politicians and bond traders find themselves caught in a dance of panic and fragile optimism as they navigate the doom loop.

Finance · 18 October 2026

Three Charts, One Election: Inflation Soars, Spending Holds, AI Holds the Mic

Helen Pell, Washington desk

As voters head to the polls, three simple charts lay out the economic picture: inflation is high, consumer spending stays strong, and artificial intelligence looms large over the outcome.

Finance · 17 October 2026

$2 Trillion Deficit: America’s New Heavyweight Champion

Helen Pell, Washington desk

The U.S. budget deficit is edging toward $2 trillion, driven by higher interest rates that raise borrowing costs and by Trump‑era spending on the Iran conflict and tariff refunds.

Finance · 17 October 2026

Budget Bites Back: $2 Trillion Deficit Gives Trump’s Wallet a Sore Spot

Helen Pell, Washington desk

The U.S. deficit is edging toward $2 trillion as higher interest rates raise borrowing costs, while spending on the Iran war and tariff refunds undercut the Trump administration’s cost‑cutting claims.

Finance · 16 October 2026

Fed Chair Warsh Says No Rate Hike This Month—Inflation Still Holds the Mic

Helen Pell, Washington desk

Fed Chair Kevin Warsh indicated the central bank will not raise borrowing rates this month, yet persistent inflation could still force action.

Finance · 15 October 2026

Gas Prices Up 34% as Iran War Fuels Inflation

Helen Pell, Washington desk

U.S. gasoline prices have surged 34% year-over-year following the start of a war with Iran, adding to inflation pressures.

Finance · 15 October 2026

Robustly Unsettled: S&P 500 Slides 1.1% as Inflation and AI Worries Spike

Helen Pell, Washington desk

The S&P 500 fell 1.1% on Wednesday, its steepest drop in over two months, as investors grappled with lingering inflation concerns and a sudden chill toward AI‑driven growth.

Finance · 15 October 2026

Netflix Slashes 6% of Staff Amid Slow Growth; Investors Wonder About Content Quality

Helen Pell, Washington desk

Netflix announces a 6% reduction in staff amidst slowing growth, sparking concerns about content quality as the layoffs impact the creative pool. The tech giant is joining the trend of companies cutting jobs across the U…