Housing Affordability

Business

Hilltop Holdings Navigates Rate Shifts, Posts Strong 2025 Profit Amid Mortgage Headwinds

Hilltop Holdings capped off 2025 with a 46% surge in net income, fueled by a steeper yield curve and disciplined cost management across its banking and securities units. While the mortgage division remains under pressure, executives point to a robust loan pipeline and shareholder returns as signs of resilience heading into 2026.

Jan 31, 2026

Business

Trump's Fed Nominee Kevin Warsh Champions Unconventional Path to Cheaper Mortgages

President Trump's pick to lead the Federal Reserve, former governor Kevin Warsh, advocates for a dramatic shift in central bank strategy—shrinking its balance sheet—as the key to lowering mortgage rates, a move that challenges prevailing economic orthodoxy.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Cavco Navigates Seasonal Slump and Acquisition Costs in Q3, Sees Spring Promise

Cavco Industries' fiscal Q3 2026 results reflect the initial impact of its American Homestar acquisition amid broader industry headwinds. While revenue grew, margins contracted due to integration costs and a seasonal demand slowdown. Management points to stable backlogs and strategic positioning for the upcoming spring selling season.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Beyond the Minimum: How Your Credit Score Truly Shapes Your First Home Purchase

For aspiring homeowners, a credit score is more than just a gateway to a mortgage—it's a key determinant of long-term affordability. This guide breaks down the nuanced impact of credit on loan options, interest rates, and the strategic moves buyers can make to strengthen their financial position.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Arizona Price Report Sparks Debate: Economist Says Democratic Analysis Lacks Inflation Context

A recent report by Congressional Democrats highlights rising costs for Arizonans, but a local economist argues the figures lack crucial context on 'normal' inflation, igniting a political firestorm over economic messaging.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Cavco Navigates Regional Market Divergence, Posts Strong Q2 2026 Results Fueled by Northern U.S. Strength

Cavco Industries reports robust fiscal Q2 2026 earnings, with revenue up 9.7% year-over-year, driven by double-digit shipment growth in Northern U.S. markets. The company successfully managed a slowdown in the Southeast through operational adjustments and highlighted a significant turnaround in its financial services segment.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Eli Lilly Commits $3.5 Billion to Pennsylvania, Creating 850 Jobs in Major Life Sciences Push

Pharmaceutical leader Eli Lilly will build a new manufacturing facility in Lehigh County, marking the largest life sciences investment in Pennsylvania history and bolstering U.S. production of next-generation weight-loss drugs.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Hilltop Holdings Navigates Shifting Rates to Deliver Strong 2025, Eyes Strategic Growth in 2026

Despite a challenging mortgage landscape and specific credit headwinds, Hilltop Holdings Inc. (HTH) reported a 46% surge in annual net income for 2025, buoyed by a steepening yield curve and disciplined cost management across its banking, lending, and securities divisions.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Mortgage Math: What a $400K Home Really Costs at Today's 6.1% Rate

While mortgage rates have inched up slightly this week, homebuyers are still facing significantly lower borrowing costs compared to last year's peak. We break down the monthly and long-term savings on a typical home purchase.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Trump Taps Kevin Warsh for Fed Chair, Banking on a Traditionalist for an Unconventional Era

President Donald Trump announces his intent to nominate former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh as the next Federal Reserve Chair, seeking a leader aligned with his economic vision amid debates over interest rates and inflation.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Newcastle's Castle Leazes Secures £274m Revamp, Doubling Student Capacity

A major redevelopment of Newcastle University's Castle Leazes student village is moving forward, with contractor Bowmer + Kirkland appointed to deliver over 2,000 new affordable rooms, replacing 1960s-era facilities.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

PennyMac Mortgage Investment Trust Posts Strong Q4 Results, Eyes Growth in Non-Agency Market

PennyMac Mortgage Investment Trust (PMT) reported a robust fourth quarter, highlighted by a 13% return on equity and strategic advancements in its securitization business. Executives outlined a confident outlook for 2026, emphasizing disciplined risk management and growth in targeted lending segments.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Vizsla Silver Shares Plunge 14.9% Following Abduction of 10 Employees in Mexico

Vizsla Silver Corp. (VZLA) shares tumbled sharply Thursday after reports that 10 of its employees were abducted from company housing in Mexico, forcing a temporary halt to operations and rattling investor confidence amid broader weakness in silver prices.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Eagle Materials Navigates Mixed Construction Landscape with Strong Heavy Materials Performance in Q3

Eagle Materials (NYSE: EXP) posted resilient fiscal Q3 2026 results, with revenue reaching $556 million and EPS at $3.22. While wallboard sales softened, robust growth in cement and aggregates, fueled by infrastructure spending, highlights a strategic pivot. The company also outlined operational efficiency drives and a fortified balance sheet.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Beazer Homes Navigates 'Stubbornly Soft' Market, Bets on Efficiency and Solar to Fuel Recovery

Despite a challenging demand environment to start fiscal 2026, Beazer Homes USA reports stabilizing sales trends and pins its margin recovery on cost controls, a strategic shift to newer communities, and the accelerating rollout of its popular 'Solar-Included' home offerings.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Warsh Nomination Sends Shockwaves Through Precious Metals Market

President Trump's selection of Kevin Warsh to lead the Federal Reserve has bolstered the dollar and triggered a sharp sell-off in gold and silver, raising questions about the future of the metals trade amid shifting monetary policy expectations.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

The Inflation Mismatch: Why Social Security's Annual Raise Falls Short for Millions of Seniors

While October's COLA announcement brings temporary relief, a growing body of evidence suggests the formula used to calculate Social Security adjustments fails to reflect the real-world expenses of retirees, creating a persistent and compounding budget gap.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Fat Brands, Twin Hospitality Delisted from Nasdaq as Bankruptcy Fallout Deepens

The parent company of Fatburger and Round Table Pizza, along with its Twin Hospitality spinoff, will be removed from the Nasdaq exchange effective February 4, transitioning to the over-the-counter market following Chapter 11 filings and over $1 billion in debt.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Ohio Mother's Final Act of Love: Family of Three Lost in Devastating Cincinnati Blaze

A 68-year-old Cincinnati woman and her two adult children perished in a fast-moving house fire last month, with officials describing the conditions as 'not survivable.'

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Allegion's 30% Surge: Is the Door Still Open for Investors?

Allegion's stock has climbed over 30% in the past year, raising questions about its current valuation. A deep dive into the numbers reveals a mixed picture, with key metrics pointing in opposite directions.

Feb 2, 2026