Ask Triangle – December, 2023
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Article by
Kendra Erkamaa, CEO & Financial Advisor Triangle Financial Services, Inc.

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Market Updates.

  • We’ve been encouraged by recent economic forecasts and numbers that indicate a softer overall inflationary impact.
  • The unemployment rate fell to 3.7%, and U.S. nonfarm payrolls rose to 199,000 in November, a slight increase from the payroll gain of 150,000 in October.
  • The November Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 0.1% over last month and is up 3.1% from a year ago. Wholesale prices remained unchanged in November, which is also an encouraging inflation indicator.
  • As we approach 2024, there is some optimism in the housing market — even though housing prices are still high and supply is difficult, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate declined to 7.07%, the lowest rate since July. Over the past week, mortgage applications increased by 7.4% and refinance applications increased by 19%.
  • In the December meeting, the Federal Reserve opted not to raise interest rates, remaining within the 5.25%–5.5% target range. Projections released by the Fed indicate an expectation of four rate cuts in 2024, aiming for the goal of a 4.6% rate by the end of 2024.
  • The Fed also shared an encouraging core personal consumption expenditures price index (core PCE) forecast indicating a decline of 2.4% in 2024 and 2.2% by 2025 to reach their 2% target in 2026. Previous forecasts indicated a decrease of 2.6% in 2024 and 2.3% in 2025.
  • We are wishing you a very Happy Holiday season and a prosperous New Year!

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