A third consecutive upside inflation surprise and a spike in geopolitical tensions in the Middle East last week took some air out of the recent equity rally. Market participants continued to push the potential for rate cuts down the road as robust economic momentum puts upward pressure on prices and mounting supply chain risks could further stoke inflation.

The markets made a strong end of week surge, but overall took a little breather from the previous week’s record highs. Signs of firmer U.S. growth in increased nonfarm payrolls and ISM manufacturing brought back the “good news is bad news” theme relating to the Fed not hurrying to lower interest rates.

You know all about the benefits of buying a house – how it helps you build wealth through equity, how you can potentially save money on a mortgage via expensive rent, how it becomes a home and a safe and secure place to live your life to the fullest.

U.S. stock markets ended the first quarter on a high note as the S&P 500 marked a new record close in last-week’s uneventful holiday shortened trading. In fact, the S&P 500 has gotten off to its best calendar year start since 2019 with a total return of 10.6% for the quarter including last week’s 0.4% gain.

If you’re hunting for a house, you’ve likely had realtors encouraging you to become pre-qualified or seen blog articles highlighting pre-approval as a vital step in purchasing a home.