One year into Donald Trump's second term, what does the U.S. economy really look like?

In this episode of Real Estate News for Investors, Kathy Fettke breaks down new economic data examining Trump's first year back in office — from the slowest job growth outside a recession in decades to resilient GDP growth, elevated tariffs, and inflation that remains above the Fed's target.

You'll hear how policy uncertainty, trade tariffs, and federal workforce reductions are shaping the labor market, why consumer spending remains strong despite economic headwinds, and what a "jobless expansion" could mean for investors moving forward.

This data-driven update helps real estate investors understand where the economy stands today — and how jobs, inflation, GDP, and consumer behavior may impact housing, interest rates, and investment strategy in the year ahead.

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Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/charts-president-donald-trump-first-year-economy-tariffs-jobs-inflation-2026-1

According to reporting from the New York Post, a Texas contractor couple pleaded guilty in a nearly $5 million fraud scheme that left more than 40 clients with unfinished and unsafe homes. Victims reported serious code violations, abandoned projects, and major financial losses.

In this episode, Kathy Fettke explains what happened, why contractor scams remain a real risk for investors and renovators, and shares practical tips to help protect your projects — and your capital.

Want to learn more? Just visit www.Newsforinvestors.com

Source: https://nypost.com/2026/01/05/us-news/texas-contractor-couple-who-left-dozens-of-clients-with-unfinished-homes-plead-guilty-to-5m-fraud-scheme/

The U.S. House has passed the Affordable HOMES Act in a bipartisan vote, a move supporters say could lower the cost of manufactured homes by as much as $10,000 per unit.

In this episode of Real Estate News for Investors, Kathy Fettke breaks down what the bill does, why manufactured housing is central to the plan, and how restoring HUD's authority over energy standards could reduce regulatory costs and speed up housing production.

We'll also look at what this legislation could mean for housing supply, affordability, and real estate investors — and why the bill's next stop in the Senate will be critical for determining its real-world impact.

📊🏠 Want to learn more? Visit www.newsforinvestors.com

Source: https://www.housingwire.com/articles/affordable-homes-act-house-passes/

A rare and unprecedented showdown is unfolding in Washington — and investors are paying close attention.

The U.S. Department of Justice has launched a criminal investigation into Jerome Powell, the sitting Chair of the Federal Reserve, triggering swift backlash from lawmakers, economists, and former central bank leaders who warn the move threatens the Fed's independence.

Republican senators, former Fed chairs, and top economists are now pushing back, warning that political interference in monetary policy could have serious consequences for inflation, interest rates, and economic stability.

In this episode of Real Estate News for Investors, Kathy Fettke breaks down what's happening, why Fed independence matters, and what this escalating conflict could mean for markets, borrowing costs, and real estate investors heading into 2026.

📊🏠 Want to learn more? Visit www.newsforinvestors.com

Source: https://apnews.com/article/trump-powell-federal-reserve-d87eedf1e35195957f903f9963aeaf99

Inflation ended the year largely unchanged, according to the latest Consumer Price Index data, with lower gasoline prices helping to offset higher food and housing costs. Consumer prices were up 2.7 percent from a year earlier, while core inflation held at 2.6 percent.

According to reporting from The New York Times, falling used car prices and cooling apartment rents continued to ease inflation pressures, even as grocery prices posted their fastest monthly increase since 2022 and airline fares jumped amid strong holiday travel.

For real estate investors, the data highlights a shifting inflation landscape — moderating housing costs, mixed energy prices, and a Federal Reserve likely entering a wait-and-see phase as the new year begins.

📊 Want to learn more? Visit www.NewsforInvestors.com

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SOURCES: https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/01/13/business/inflation-report-cpi?campaign_id=60&emc=edit_na_20260113&instance_id=169202&nl=breaking-news®i_id=296486822&segment_id=213580&user_id=853319ec7216a16ba4212b5dbd28103e

https://www.nbcnews.com/business/economy/december-inflation-report-rcna253681

As markets head into 2026, investors are closely watching a potential leadership change at the Federal Reserve. With Chair Jerome Powell's term ending in May, expectations around interest rates, bond yields, and credit conditions are already shifting.

In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down how the next Fed Chair is selected, why markets are reacting months ahead of any decision, and what matters most for investors. We look at rate-cut expectations for 2026, the role of SOFR in floating-rate loans, and why long-term Treasury yields—not just Fed policy—drive real estate financing and valuations.

You'll also hear how agency lending capacity, bank credit conditions, and market credibility factor into borrowing costs, even in an easing cycle. Whether you invest in real estate, follow macro trends, or want clarity beyond the headlines, this episode explains what the Fed leadership transition could mean for rates and markets in the year ahead.

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Mortgage rates slipped below a key psychological threshold after President Trump ordered $200 billion in mortgage-backed securities purchases through Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. In this episode of Real Estate News for Investors, Kathy Fettke breaks down what the announcement means for mortgage rates, housing demand, and real estate-related stocks.

We cover how markets reacted, why rates falling into the 5% range matters for buyers and investors, and what analysts say could happen next if mortgage bond purchases move forward as planned. If you're tracking affordability, transaction volume, or housing momentum heading into 2026, this is a development you'll want to understand.

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SOURCE: https://www.barrons.com/articles/opendoor-rocket-trump-mortgage-bond-plan-home-builders-bcd6b456?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqfBhoAAN7AfkaRyohPy6nDeTqp9Z0MBR-TjpySKnFAtD9LJyObnXlxwB-cSyTw%3D&gaa_ts=696148c5&gaa_sig=y7XD1dM_VslqoFUu58pjPGO_jUy2kL61XCW1cwKuRQLd00VF6zZa7ZoNrdP0F7k_Ga59lMf9xdIF1wtTyp6YIw%3D%3D

A major political headline sent shockwaves through housing markets this week after President Donald Trump said he plans to ban large institutional investors from buying additional single-family homes. The proposal, framed as a move to restore housing affordability, immediately hit single-family rental stocks — but would it actually help buyers?

In this episode of Real Estate News for Investors, host Kathy Fettke breaks down how markets reacted, what the data really shows about investor activity, and why many experts argue a ban could backfire by limiting new construction and rental supply.

Using insights from Redfin, HousingWire, and National Association of Home Builders, this episode separates political rhetoric from housing reality — and explains what investors, renters, and homebuyers should actually be watching next.

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