Trump’s Proposed $5,000 "Citizen Dividend": A Fiscal Windfall or an Inflationary Trap?

By Erica York, Senior Economist, Center for Federal Tax Policy Main Facts At the Republican National Convention in Dallas, President Trump made a sweeping political and economic pledge: a direct payment of $5,000 to every adult citizen in the United States. However, this headline-grabbing proposal comes with a significant political caveat—it is conditional upon Republicans…

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Mortgage Rates Tick Upward Amidst Geopolitical Volatility and Inflationary Concerns

Washington D.C. – The landscape of homeownership shifted slightly this week as average mortgage rates experienced a modest uptick, a development that elicits varied reactions depending on a prospective buyer’s position in the home-buying journey. The average rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rose by four basis points to 6.51% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for…

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Mortgage Rates Surge to Multi-Month Highs Amidst Geopolitical Tensions and Inflationary Fears

Washington D.C. – July 16, 2026 – Homebuyers and homeowners seeking to refinance are facing a stark reality this week as average mortgage rates have climbed to their highest levels since late 2025. The benchmark 30-year fixed-rate mortgage saw a notable increase, rising eight basis points to 6.47% for the week ending July 16. This…

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Mortgage Rates Surge Past 6.5% Amidst Geopolitical Tensions and Inflationary Fears

New York, NY – July 16, 2026 – Homebuyers and homeowners alike are facing renewed pressure as average 30-year fixed mortgage interest rates have once again breached the significant 6.5% threshold. This upward trend, which has persisted for 16 consecutive days in July, eclipses the average rates observed in June, signaling a challenging lending environment…

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Inflationary Paradox: Consumer Sentiment Diverges as Gas Prices Ease

The economic landscape remains characterized by a persistent and perplexing dichotomy. According to the latest Survey of Consumer Expectations released by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, American households are bracing for a prolonged period of inflationary pressure, even as they observe a reprieve at the fuel pump. This complex sentiment reflects the intricate…

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Mortgage Rates Dip Following Inflation Report, Signaling Market Stability Amidst Persistent Inflationary Pressures

Washington D.C. – In a notable shift for the housing market, mortgage interest rates have experienced a downward trend following the release of the latest Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index. The report, which indicated a 4.1% year-over-year rise in inflation for May, has been interpreted by market participants as a sign of moderating price…

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