US Productivity Surge Fuels Economic Growth Amidst Cooling Job Market
US productivity is surging, at least 2% quarterly growth this year, fueling strong economic growth despite easing inflation and a cooling job market; this contrasts with slower growth in Europe and Canada, partially attributed to pandemic-era government support and resulting business adaptations.
US Productivity Surge Fuels Economic Growth Amidst Cooling Job Market
US productivity is surging, at least 2% quarterly growth this year, fueling strong economic growth despite easing inflation and a cooling job market; this contrasts with slower growth in Europe and Canada, partially attributed to pandemic-era government support and resulting business adaptations.
Progress
36% Bias Score
High Mortgage Rates Fail to Curb US Home Price Increases
Despite 6-7% 30-year fixed mortgage rates, US home prices rose 5.8% through November 2024 in 50 major cities; Anaheim, CA, saw the highest increase (12.5%), driven by limited supply and proximity to Los Angeles, while San Antonio and Austin remained flat.
High Mortgage Rates Fail to Curb US Home Price Increases
Despite 6-7% 30-year fixed mortgage rates, US home prices rose 5.8% through November 2024 in 50 major cities; Anaheim, CA, saw the highest increase (12.5%), driven by limited supply and proximity to Los Angeles, while San Antonio and Austin remained flat.
Progress
48% Bias Score
U.S. Home Prices Climb Despite High Mortgage Rates
Despite high mortgage rates, median home prices rose 5.8% in the 50 largest U.S. cities through November 2024, with Anaheim, California, leading at 12.5%, driven by limited housing supply and proximity to Los Angeles; similar trends occurred near New York City and in other areas.
U.S. Home Prices Climb Despite High Mortgage Rates
Despite high mortgage rates, median home prices rose 5.8% in the 50 largest U.S. cities through November 2024, with Anaheim, California, leading at 12.5%, driven by limited housing supply and proximity to Los Angeles; similar trends occurred near New York City and in other areas.
Progress
36% Bias Score
Holiday Debt Rises Despite Decrease from 2022
A LendingTree survey reveals that 36% of American consumers incurred holiday debt averaging \$1,181 this season, exceeding 2023 but below 2022 levels; higher inflation and unexpected debt impacted consumers, particularly parents, millennials, and those earning \$30,000-\$49,999.
Holiday Debt Rises Despite Decrease from 2022
A LendingTree survey reveals that 36% of American consumers incurred holiday debt averaging \$1,181 this season, exceeding 2023 but below 2022 levels; higher inflation and unexpected debt impacted consumers, particularly parents, millennials, and those earning \$30,000-\$49,999.
Progress
32% Bias Score
S&P 500 Soars 24.3% in 2024 Amidst Record High Office Vacancies
The S&P 500 index reached record highs in 2024, rising 24.3% due to Federal Reserve interest rate cuts and investor optimism following Donald Trump's election; however, high office vacancy rates signal potential economic shifts.
S&P 500 Soars 24.3% in 2024 Amidst Record High Office Vacancies
The S&P 500 index reached record highs in 2024, rising 24.3% due to Federal Reserve interest rate cuts and investor optimism following Donald Trump's election; however, high office vacancy rates signal potential economic shifts.
Progress
40% Bias Score
US Household Debt Reaches \$17.94 Trillion: Strategies for Avoiding Further Debt
US household debt has hit \$17.94 trillion, prompting a need for effective debt management strategies including budgeting, emergency funds, and responsible credit card use to improve financial stability.
US Household Debt Reaches \$17.94 Trillion: Strategies for Avoiding Further Debt
US household debt has hit \$17.94 trillion, prompting a need for effective debt management strategies including budgeting, emergency funds, and responsible credit card use to improve financial stability.
Progress
24% Bias Score
Record High Homelessness in US: 770,000 Experiencing Homelessness in January 2024
The Department of Housing and Urban Development's annual report reveals a record 770,000 people experiencing homelessness in January 2024, up 18% from the previous year due to factors including the end of pandemic aid, increased housing costs, and a rise in asylum seekers.
Record High Homelessness in US: 770,000 Experiencing Homelessness in January 2024
The Department of Housing and Urban Development's annual report reveals a record 770,000 people experiencing homelessness in January 2024, up 18% from the previous year due to factors including the end of pandemic aid, increased housing costs, and a rise in asylum seekers.
Progress
52% Bias Score
US Homelessness Soars to Record High of Over 770,000 in 2024
The number of homeless people in the US soared to a record high of over 770,000 in 2024, an 18% increase from 2023, driven by factors including a lack of affordable housing, increased migration, and natural disasters, according to a HUD report.
US Homelessness Soars to Record High of Over 770,000 in 2024
The number of homeless people in the US soared to a record high of over 770,000 in 2024, an 18% increase from 2023, driven by factors including a lack of affordable housing, increased migration, and natural disasters, according to a HUD report.
Progress
28% Bias Score
Record US Holiday Spending Amidst Rising Consumer Debt
US holiday spending is projected to reach a record $979.5 billion to $989 billion despite record-high credit card debt, with 36% of consumers incurring an average of $1,181 in debt this season, driven by high prices and inflation.
Record US Holiday Spending Amidst Rising Consumer Debt
US holiday spending is projected to reach a record $979.5 billion to $989 billion despite record-high credit card debt, with 36% of consumers incurring an average of $1,181 in debt this season, driven by high prices and inflation.
Progress
40% Bias Score
Five TFSA Investment Strategies for 2025
Five TFSA investment strategies for 2025 are presented, ranging from all-equity ETFs (high risk/return) to low-volatility ETFs, one-year GICs (low risk/return), utility stocks (moderate risk/return), and US dollar investments (currency risk).
Five TFSA Investment Strategies for 2025
Five TFSA investment strategies for 2025 are presented, ranging from all-equity ETFs (high risk/return) to low-volatility ETFs, one-year GICs (low risk/return), utility stocks (moderate risk/return), and US dollar investments (currency risk).
Progress
36% Bias Score
Trump's Tariffs Threaten US Economy, Port of Los Angeles
President-elect Trump's proposed tariffs on Chinese goods are causing concern among business leaders and trade experts due to potential negative impacts on the US economy, particularly affecting the Port of Los Angeles, which handles \$400 billion in goods annually and supports nearly 3.1 million jo...
Trump's Tariffs Threaten US Economy, Port of Los Angeles
President-elect Trump's proposed tariffs on Chinese goods are causing concern among business leaders and trade experts due to potential negative impacts on the US economy, particularly affecting the Port of Los Angeles, which handles \$400 billion in goods annually and supports nearly 3.1 million jo...
Progress
48% Bias Score
U.S. Holiday Spending Surges Despite High Interest Rates
Mastercard SpendingPulse data reveals a 3.8% increase in U.S. retail sales from November 1st to December 24th, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, exceeding expectations and driven by online shopping and a search for value.
U.S. Holiday Spending Surges Despite High Interest Rates
Mastercard SpendingPulse data reveals a 3.8% increase in U.S. retail sales from November 1st to December 24th, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, exceeding expectations and driven by online shopping and a search for value.
Progress
40% Bias Score