Can Housing Stay Afloat Amid Economic Swells?
Economist Neil Dutta sees rising jobless claims, slowing labor force growth and persistent tariffs as signs of mounting pressure on the U.S. economy, suggesting the Fed may cut rates later this year to stabilize conditions. In housing, Dutta views the sector as a modest positive overall, but notes rising inventories in key builder markets are forcing homebuilders to cut margins and focus on selling existing stock rather than starting new projects. He’s optimistic that inflation, especially in shelter, will ease, but warns that affordability remains constrained by stagnant wage growth.
