Inflation trend in the United States
Inflation in the United States met the experts’ forecasts for December 2024, with consumer prices increasing by 0.4% compared to the previous month. This figure is in line with analysts’ expectations and represents an increase compared to the 0.3% recorded in November. A significant contribution to this increase came from the energy sector, which saw a rise of 2.6%, contributing to more than 40% of the overall monthly
increase.
Energy and food sector
Particularly significant was the increase in gasoline prices, which rose by 4.4% during the month. The food sector also showed signs of growth, with an increase of 0.3% for both food consumed at home and outside the home. On an annual basis, inflation rose by 2.9%, confirming forecasts and exceeding 2.7% in November. The core rate, which excludes the most volatile components such as food and energy, showed a monthly increase of 0.2%, slightly lower than the 0.3% expected by the market, but in line with
the previous month.
Increase in mortgage applications
In the United States, there is a significant increase in mortgage applications. According to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association, the index that measures the volume of applications rose by 33.3% in the week to January 10, while refinancing requests increased by 43.6%. New applications, on the other hand, increased by 26.9%. This increase in mortgage applications is significant, especially in a context of interest rates that have reached 7.09% for 30-year mortgages
.
This data suggests a moving real estate market, with consumers looking to take advantage of refinancing and buying opportunities, despite rising interest rates. The combination of rising inflation and high mortgage rates represents a challenge for many, but also an opportunity for those who are ready to invest in the real estate market.
