“Inflation around the globe is slowing way faster than expected. If economists are right...next year [will see] inflation back to normal levels for the first time in three years. ” Wall Street Journal , 12/24/23, “For Much of the World, Inflation Will Be Normal in 2024 –Finally” “ Consumer sentiment...soared 14% in December [due to] substantial improvements in how consumers view the trajectory of inflation...All age, income, education, geographic, and political identification groups saw gains in sentiment...[2024] inflation expectations plunged from 4.5% last month to 3.1% this month. ” University of Michigan, Consumer Sentiment Index, December 2023 “ Housing starts surged to a six-month high, sales of previously owned homes picked up from a 13- year low and builder optimism boosted by increased interest from prospective buyers. Meanwhile, Americans’ home-buying plans rose this month by the most in more than a year. The bounce back comes as mortgage rates have declined by...the biggest drop over a comparable period since 2009. ” Bloomberg News , 12/20/23 “ The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage remained below 7%...after 17 consecutive weeks above. Lower rates are bringing potential homebuyers who were previously waiting on the sidelines back into the market...Heading into the new year, the economy remains on firm ground with solid growth, a tight labor market, decelerating inflation, and a nascent rebound in the housing market. ” Freddie Mac, 12/21/23 & 12/28/23 Changes in economic indicators didn’t begin to affect market psychology until early-mid November, right before the big holiday slowdown, and the homebuying process takes 30 to 60 days from loan qualification and offer acceptance to closed sale. Significant effects on sales statistics will not begin to show up until early 2024 data starts to become available.
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