Thursday, April 3, 2025

Hispanic Consumers More Optimistic About Finances

Mon, 22 April 2024  |  demographics economy finances 

Hispanics were more optimistic about their finances and the economy due to the declining unemployment rate among Hispanics according to a new poll from the  Florida Atlantic University.  

The Hispanic Consumer Sentiment Index (HCSI) increased to 85.3 in the first quarter of the year, an uptick from 76.3 in the fourth quarter of 2023. Overall, optimism increased in the five questions used to generate the HCSI when compared to the fourth quarter of 2023.

Fifty-nine percent of Hispanics indicated they were bett... Read More

Homeowners Facing Increasing Insurance Rates

Thu, 11 April 2024  |  housing inflation insurance 

In an evolving market landscape shaped by external pressures, homeowner insurance rates have increased significantly over the past year. The period from 2023 to 2024 has been marked by shifts driven largely by climate change, economic turbulence, and technological advancements. 

In 2023, regions vulnerable to natural disasters witnessed some of the most significant premium increases. For instance, California, frequently battling wildfires, saw homeowner insurance rates surge by an average of 18% year-over-year. Similarly, Florida and Louisiana, often in the path of destructive hu... Read More

U.S. Foreclosures Increase In First Quarter

Thu, 11 April 2024  |  housing 

In the latest report released by ATTOM, an aggregator of land, property, and real estate data, the U.S. foreclosure market appears to be navigating through a period of mild fluctuations. According to the Q1 2024 U.S. Foreclosure Market Report, the nation saw a total of 95,349 properties with foreclosure filings during the first quarter of the year. This represents a slight increase of 3 percent from the last quarter but reveals a minor decrease of less than 1 percent compared to the same period last year.

The data for March 2024 indicates a total of 32,878 U.S. properties faced fore... Read More

Consumers Perceive Less Buying Power Despite Lower Inflation

Wed, 10 April 2024  |  consumers economy 

A new survey from Equitable finds that a vast majority of consumers, about 75%, perceive that their money does not extend as far as it did just a year ago. Although inflation has decreased significantly from its peak in June of 2022, it remains the predominant financial challenge for many. According to the survey, 39% of respondents identify inflation as the largest barrier to achieving their financial objectives, a figure more than double those concerned with high expenses (17%), low income (10%), and the effects of high interest rates on debt (8%).

"We live in an uncertain world, an... Read More

Consumer Price Index - March 2024

Wed, 10 April 2024  |  consumers economy 

The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.4 percent in March on a seasonally
adjusted basis, the same increase as in February, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today.
Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased 3.5 percent before seasonal adjustment.

The index for shelter rose in March, as did the index for gasoline. Combined, these two indexes
contributed over half of the monthly increase in the index for all items. The energy index rose 1.1
percent over the month. The food index rose 0.1 percent in March. The food at home... Read More

Americans Fear Running Out of Money More Than Death, New Study Finds

Tue, 09 April 2024  |  demographics retirement 

A recent study by Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America reveals a striking concern among Americans: nearly two-thirds are more worried about depleting their retirement savings than facing death. The 2024 Annual Retirement Study underscores a growing anxiety over financial security in later years, with 63% of respondents admitting their fear of running out of money surpasses their fear of death, marking an increase from 57% in 2022.

This apprehension is most prevalent among Generation X, with 71% expressing more concern over their financial future than their mortality, compar... Read More