Blog Post

August 28, 2026
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August 28, 2026

The Jobs Data Changed the Rate Conversation

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The Fed chair sees enough strength to keep fighting inflation. This week's jobs data raised real questions about how strong the labor market actually is.

At Jackson Hole, the Fed chair said inflation is still his bigger concern than the labor market. He also suggested current rates may not be restrictive enough, pointing to strong consumer spending and solid business investment. He stopped short of signaling a hike at next month's meeting.

Then came a very different signal. A government revision cut nearly 30% from previously reported job growth for the year ending Q1 2026, adding to a summer of softer hiring signals.

Housing added its own wrinkle. New home sales slowed in July as elevated rates weighed on buyers, but national home values continued climbing anyway.

For homebuyers, mixed signals don't mean you have to sit on the sidelines until everything becomes clear. If softer employment eventually creates a better rate window, knowing your numbers ahead of time puts you in a position to respond. And if the right home appears first, you'll already know whether it fits your budget.

Start by running your numbers at today's rates. Update an older pre-approval so it reflects the current market. And decide what payment and purchase price would make the right home worth pursuing.

Reach out, and we'll help you build that plan together.

Featuring:

Rate Source: MortgageNewsDaily.com

*The Mortgage News Daily index attempts to capture the most prevalently quoted conventional, FHA, and VA 30-year fixed rates for highly qualified homebuyers that meet the appropriate down payment requirements and have no major loan-level price adjustments.

Mortgage News Daily is a trademark of Mortgage News Daily, LLC. CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC; its subsidiaries; and its affiliates have not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Mortgage News Daily, LLC or any of the above-mentioned companies.

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