Thu, 01 June 2023 | housing interest rates
Pending home sales fell 17% from a year earlier during the four weeks ending May 28, one of the biggest declines since the start of the year. That’s according to a new report from Redfin (redfin.com), the technology-powered real estate brokerage. That year-over-year drop is especially notable because pending sales had already started falling at this time last year as mortgage rates shot up past 5%.
Seasonally adjusted measures of homebuying demand show that it has also dipped in earlier stages of the house hunting journey. Mortgage-purchase applications and Redfin’s Homebuyer Dema... Read More
Thu, 01 June 2023 | banking credit cards technology
After more than a decade of significant investment in mobile apps and websites, many U.S. banks and credit card providers have mastered the basics of digital transaction management and are now turning their attention to more advanced “super tools.” According to a series of recent studies of bank and credit card mobile app and online users, released today by J.D. Power, digital features focused on personal financial management have become the keys to standout customer engagement and customer satisfaction, but they’ve also introduced a new set of challenges.
The studies—J.D. Pow... Read More
Thu, 01 June 2023 | credit unions lending
The newly released Q2 Credit Union Market Perspectives Report from TransUnion shows that stubbornly-high inflation continues to put pressure on the monthly budgets of consumers, credit union members among them. This has led to increasing reliance on credit cards and personal loans as borrowers seek ways to make ends meet.
“Credit union members are facing many of the same inflation-driven economic challenges as the overarching market,” said Sean Flynn, senior director of community financial institutions at TransUnion. “As a result, credit unions are seeing... Read More
Thu, 01 June 2023 | asset management
After a long period of consistent profitability, the wealth and asset management sector is facing rising costs, shrinking margins, and intensifying consumer demands. Firms are looking for ways to accelerate their digital transformations, bring more of what their clients want to the table, and bolster assets under management—all in the most cost-efficient way. According to a new report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and global end-to-e... Read More
Thu, 01 June 2023 | investing
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, traditional investment vehicles have been challenged by trending investment opportunities that have burst onto the marketplace. But despite these opportunities, financial advisers seem to maintain a strong preference for those investment vehicles that have stood the test of time, according to the 2023 Trends in Investing Survey, ... Read More
Thu, 01 June 2023 | housing
The everyday expenses of owning a home are higher than ever, according to a new analysis from Zillow® and Thumbtack. Utility bills, property taxes, insurance and essential home maintenance can add up to $14,155 a year for the average U.S. homeowner. That's an additional $1,180 per month on top of a typical mortgage payment. First-time home buyers facing affordability challenges in today's market need to understand and budget for these less obviou... Read More
News and insights about consumer and demographic financial trends
The Hidden Cost of Idle Cash: What the Vanguard Survey Reveals About America’s Savings Habits
Consumers Growing Cautious Amid Rising Inflation and Economic Uncertainty
US Taxpayers Say Tax Refunds are a Financial Necessity
Consumer Pessimism Grows Despite Stable Long-Term Inflation Expectations
Economic Uncertainty and Inflation Impact Retirement Prospects for Americans
AARP Survey Reveals Alarming Retirement Savings Trends
Hispanic Consumers More Optimistic About Finances
Homeowners Facing Increasing Insurance Rates
U.S. Foreclosures Increase In First Quarter
Consumers Perceive Less Buying Power Despite Lower Inflation