The U.S. housing market has slowed, after ** consecutive years of rising home prices. In 2021, house prices surged by an unprecedented ** percent, marking the highest increase on record. However, the market has since cooled, with the Freddie Mac House Price Index showing more modest growth between 2022 and 2024. In 2024, home prices increased by *** percent. That was lower than the long-term average of *** percent since 1990. Impact of mortgage rates on homebuying The recent cooling in the housing market can be partly attributed to rising mortgage rates. After reaching a record low of **** percent in 2021, the average annual rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage more than doubled in 2023. This significant increase has made homeownership less affordable for many potential buyers, contributing to a substantial decline in home sales. Despite these challenges, forecasts suggest a potential recovery in the coming years. How much does it cost to buy a house in the U.S.? In 2023, the median sales price of an existing single-family home reached a record high of over ******* U.S. dollars. Newly built homes were even pricier, despite a slight decline in the median sales price in 2023. Naturally, home prices continue to vary significantly across the country, with West Virginia being the most affordable state for homebuyers.

The benchmark interest rate in India was last recorded at 5.50 percent. This dataset provides - India Interest Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

The real estate sales and brokerage industry is navigating a complex landscape with high mortgage rates and dropping home sales. The Federal Reserve's decision to raise the benchmark interest rate 11 times across 2022 and 2023 to combat inflation led to a significant climb in mortgage rates, dampening buyer demand and affordability. This gain has deterred homeowners from selling, leading to low housing inventory. Despite the rate cuts that came in 2024, mortgage rates remain high, with the typical 30-year fixed mortgage staying above 6.5%. Existing home sales also hit a near 30-year low in 2024, mainly because of high home prices and tight supply. Amid these challenges, the real estate market has seen a surge in home values, propelling industry growth. This growth greatly benefits real estate agents and brokerages, who often base their commissions on the house's selling price. Despite the high vacancy rates, the office market also shows signs of picking up, primarily because of demand for high-quality assets such as Class A office spaces and modern buildings. Increased competitive pressure necessitates more aggressive marketing tactics to secure listings and attract sellers. Nonetheless, because of the industry's robust performance from 2020 to 2021, revenue has climbed at a CAGR of 0.8% over the past five years, reaching $241.3 billion in 2025. 2025 revenue will climb an estimated 1.0% as home price appreciation and a rebound in commercial sales volume will fuel tepid growth. The higher-for-longer interest rate environment is expected to slow the industry's growth. The high mortgage rates and escalating home prices will likely price out many potential home buyers from the market, forcing customers to rent or live in multifamily complexes. The limited new office construction will stimulate office building sales and intensify brokerage activity. The housing stock situation is expected to remain tight, with homeowners staying in their homes for longer and contributing to home price appreciation. Amid these conditions, a likely shift toward new construction and build-to-rent properties for agents and brokers is anticipated. Increased competition in the form of market saturation and disruption from online platforms will inhibit profit growth. Overall, industry revenue will gain at a CAGR of 2.3% to reach $270.8 billion in 2030.

The benchmark interest rate in Brazil was last recorded at 15 percent. This dataset provides - Brazil Interest Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

The benchmark interest rate in Romania was last recorded at 6.50 percent. This dataset provides the latest reported value for - Romania Interest Rate - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

Investment trusts have navigated a turbulent environment over recent years, characterised by regulatory changes and uncertain economic conditions. While demand for investment trusts has stayed fairly strong, alternative investment vehicles like open-ended investment companies have put pressure with their competitive prices, encouraging investment trusts to band together through consolidation to drive down fees charged thanks to economies of scale. Revenue is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 2.9% over the five years through 2025-26 to £1.7 billion, including estimated growth of 6.5% in 2025-26, while the average industry profit margin is anticipated to be 27.4%. After the financial crisis in 2008, ultra-low interest rates supported equity growth as investors sought attractive returns from companies supported by cheap lending rates. This environment came to an end in 2022, as interest rates picked up rapidly amid spiralling inflation. As a result, bond values plummeted, and stock markets recorded lacklustre growth, hurting investment income. Although the rising base rate environment persisted into 2023-24, investors priced in rate cuts near the end of 2023, triggering a rally in stock markets. Capital also flowed into bonds as investors sought to lock in higher yields before they would potentially decline in 2024-25. In 2025-26, trusts will likely limit their exposure to US markets despite healthy growth seen from big tech firms in 2024-25, cautious of US fiscal policy, rising debt and the risk that trade tariffs will trigger a recession. Bond markets will also remain volatile, with markets unsure about the speed of rate cuts amid trade tensions. However, a declining base rate environment will drive prices up and support returns for investment trusts. Investment trust revenue is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 4.6% over the five years through 2029-30 to £2.1 billion. Investors will continue to reduce their exposure to the dollar, with the European Stoxx index positioned for healthy growth in the short term, being seen as an effective safe haven in uncertain times. However, regulatory changes proposed by the Financial Conduct Authority have been contentious, putting investment trusts at a disadvantage to alternative investment vehicles like OEICs. Investment trusts will seek acquisitive growth, using mergers and acquisitions to minimise fixed costs through scale and ramp up competitiveness.

The benchmark interest rate in Mexico was last recorded at 8 percent. This dataset provides - Mexico Interest Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

The benchmark interest rate in South Africa was last recorded at 7 percent. This dataset provides - South Africa Interest Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

The benchmark interest rate in Philippines was last recorded at 5.25 percent. This dataset provides the latest reported value for - Philippines Interest Rate - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.