Will The Interest Rates Ever Go Down??
Here is the best explanation of this week's FOMC meeting that breaks down Jerome Powell's Insights on Housing and Inflation: To see the video go to BAM NOW
In a recent Hot Sheet video dated February 1, 2024, Byron Lazine delves into the Federal Reserve's FOMC meeting and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's comments on housing and unemployment. The focus is on Powell's stance regarding interest rates and their potential impact on the housing market. The key takeaway from the video is the Federal Reserve's decision to maintain the current interest rate, with Powell providing insights into the factors influencing this decision.
Byron Lazine breaks down Jerome Powell's comments during the FOMC meeting, highlighting the Fed's decision to keep interest rates unchanged. Powell's remarks suggest a reluctance to cut rates immediately, leaving doubts about a potential rate cut in March. The Federal Reserve removed language indicating a willingness to raise rates until inflation is under control, signaling a shift in approach. Powell emphasized that the Fed's primary goal is to achieve maximum employment and maintain inflation at a 2% rate over the long run.
The video discussion also covers Powell's comments on housing, addressing concerns about rising inflation and its impact on the real estate market. Powell acknowledges the subdued activity in the housing sector over the past year, attributing it to high mortgage rates. He mentions the Fed's awareness of the risks posed by high inflation to both sides of its mandate, emphasizing its commitment to returning inflation to the 2% objective.
The clip delves into Powell's prepared comments on housing, where he notes the effects of high-interest rates on business fixed investment and the labor market. The discussion touches on the potential for a rate cut and the challenges posed by inflation, particularly in the housing sector. Powell recognizes the significance of real-time data on rents and housing prices, suggesting that these lower market rents may soon impact measured rents in inflation calculations.
Byron shows a snippet of the talks. A CNBC question prompts Powell to discuss the neutral rate's impact on economic growth and the housing industry's sensitivity to interest rate changes. Powell credits rate cuts at the beginning of the pandemic for aiding the housing industry, acknowledging its vulnerability to rate hikes.
The video concludes with a Marketplace journalist's question about housing prices not decreasing as quickly as expected. Powell AGAIN emphasizes the Fed's focus on maximum employment and price stability, stating that while housing is crucial, it is not the primary target. He acknowledges longer-term problems related to housing availability but highlights that the Fed's tools are limited in addressing these issues.
What I love about this video is that it provides a comprehensive breakdown of Jerome Powell's comments on the FOMC meeting, interest rates, and the impact on the housing market. It sheds light on Powell's views on inflation, real-time data, and the challenges faced by the Federal Reserve in achieving its dual mandate. The video discusses Fed Chair Jerome Powell's stance on housing and unemployment, particularly in response to a letter from some members of Congress, including Elizabeth Warren, urging the Fed to lower interest rates to make housing more affordable. Powell emphasizes the Fed's primary responsibility for price stability and maximum employment rather than targeting housing price inflation. He argues that stabilizing overall prices, not increasing home ownership, is their focus.
Byron then delves into Powell's perspective on rental inflation, real-time data, and the limitations of the Fed's outdated tools. It also touches on the job market, with Powell expressing the need for some loosening up to make a rate cut more feasible. The video suggests that addressing housing affordability involves more than just monetary policy and highlights the importance of regulations, restrictions, and supply-demand dynamics. The transcript concludes by mentioning other topics covered in the video, such as initial job claims and the lead gen challenge. Overall, the video underscores Powell's position on the Fed's role and the challenges in addressing housing affordability.
What does this mean for home buyers and home sellers?
For home buyers, understanding Jerome Powell's stance on housing and the Federal Reserve's priorities provides insight into the broader economic landscape. Powell emphasizes the Fed's commitment to price stability and maximum employment, signaling that their focus is on overall economic conditions rather than specifically targeting housing price inflation. This suggests that interest rates may be influenced by factors beyond the housing market. Home buyers should consider the potential impact of monetary policy on mortgage rates and, consequently, affordability.
On the other hand, for home sellers, the Fed’s emphasis on stabilizing prices and maximizing employment underscores the importance of broader economic indicators. Powell's comments suggest that the Fed's actions are geared towards maintaining a stable economic environment, which could indirectly influence buyer demand. Sellers should be aware of economic trends, job market conditions, and potential shifts in interest rates that may impact the housing market's overall health.
So, both home buyers and sellers should keep an eye on macroeconomic factors influenced by the Federal Reserve, as these can have ripple effects on mortgage rates, buyer demand, and the overall real estate market. While Powell's focus may not be solely on housing, the interconnected nature of the economy means that changes in monetary policy can still have implications for those involved in the real estate market.
