US Economy Adds 142,000 Jobs in August, Fed Likely to Cut Rates

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US employers added 142,000 jobs in August, slightly below expectations. The unemployment rate decreased from 4.3% to 4.2%. This could prompt the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates in their upcoming meeting. Inflation has been falling, and officials hope to guide the US to a soft landing.

  • US economy added 142,000 jobs in August
  • Unemployment rate decreased from 4.3% to 4.2%
  • Fed likely to cut interest rates in upcoming meeting
  • Inflation has been falling
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Mortgage Interest Rates: What's the Deal?

So, you're thinking of buying or refinancing a home? **YOU'RE NOT ALONE!

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Average 30-year mortgage interest rate: 6.12%
Average 15-year mortgage interest rate: 5.50%
Refinancing might be a good option if you can secure a rate 1% lower than your current one

What Does This Mean for You?

If you're looking to buy or refinance, NOW MIGHT BE A GOOD TIME. Rates have been decreasing, and you could save some serious cash.

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Mortgage Rates: What You Need to Know

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Mortgage Rates Update

Mortgage interest rates are near recent lows.
Average 30-year mortgage rate: 6.125%
Average 15-year mortgage rate: 5.500%

What's Next?

Experts forecast rates to stay in the low-to-mid 6% range through November.

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Federal Reserve policy
Bond market movements
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Lock in a rate if you find one that fits your budget.

Australia's Inflation and Immigration Updates: What You Need to Know

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Inflation on the Rise

Inflation has jumped to 3.2% in Australia, with a significant rise in electricity prices.
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Underlying inflation rose for the first time in nearly three years

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Over 350 people will be sent to Nauru over the next 30 years
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Mortgage Rate Alert: What You Need to Know

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Mortgage Rates 101

With the Federal Reserve preparing to cut interest rates again, YOU could benefit from lower mortgage costs. But what does this mean for YOU?
Lenders respond differently to Fed rate cuts, so shop around for the best rates
A December rate cut is not guaranteed, so don't wait if you can afford to act now
Rates are already lower than they were at the start of the year, so locking in a low rate now might be a smart move

Should You Lock in a Low Rate?

If you can afford today's rate, even if it's not ideal, LOCKING IN might be the way to go. You'll protect yourself from potential hikes and can always refinance if rates drop further.

Mortgage Rates and Gold Investment: What You Need to Know

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Mortgage Rates and Gold Investment: What You Need to Know

Are you considering a new mortgage or investing in gold? Here are the key things to consider:
Current mortgage rates: 15-year mortgage at 5.81% and 30-year mortgage at 6.46%
Refinance rates: 15-year refinance at 5.82% and 30-year refinance at 6.50%
Investing in gold: prices could rise after the October Fed meeting, and it's a good way to hedge against inflation and diversify your portfolio

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Mortgage Rates Just Dropped: What's Next?

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What's Happening with Mortgage Rates?

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Get pre-approved for a mortgage to know how much you can borrow
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Consider refinancing your current mortgage to get a better rate

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Home equity can be a valuable source of funding, especially in today's economy. With average home equity amounts around $300,000, borrowing a small amount like $15,000 may seem unusual, but it can be a cost-effective option.

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Mortgage and HELOC Rates: What You Need to Know

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1. 1-Year CD: With a rate of 4.40%, you can earn just over $4 for every $100 deposited. Lock it in now before lenders reduce their rate offers.

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Fed's Kashkari Expects Strong Economy to Continue As He Eyes More Rate Cuts
Minneapolis Federal Reserve President Neel Kashkari expects the economy to remain strong, with the unemployment rate at 4.1% and inflation at 2.5%.*
Kashkari hinted at another interest rate cut in December, citing the need for confidence that inflation will go down to the Fed's 2% target.*
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FED CUTS INTEREST RATES AGAIN AFTER TRUMP ELECTION WIN; INFLATION EASING

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FED CUTS RATES FOR SECOND TIME
The Federal Reserve lowered interest rates by 0.25 percentage points for the second time in a row. Rates now stand at 4.5% to 4.75%.

INFLATION EASING
The Fed's main tool for managing inflation is the interest rate. Inflation has been easing, with the main measure dropping to 2.4% in September and the Fed's target rate at 2%.

TRUMP ELECTION WIN
The Fed's decision comes after Donald Trump's re-election. The mortgage rate is down 1% from a year ago, thanks to the rate cuts.

FED CHAIR'S TERM
Fed Chair Jerome Powell's term ends in May 2026. Trump has said he will let Powell serve out his term, but has also suggested he should have a say in Fed decisions, threatening the bank's independence.