No Rush To Adjust

The Federal Reserve wrapped up its first meeting of the year with no surprises—no rate cuts, no big policy shifts, and no rush to make adjustments. Chair Jerome Powell made it clear that despite Trump’s calls for immediate cuts, the Fed remains independent and focused on the data. With the economy holding strong, a March rate cut is looking unlikely, though the Fed still projects two cuts later in 2025. Powell emphasized a cautious, wait-and-see approach, especially with potential policy shifts on tariffs, immigration, and spending still uncertain. Bottom line: the Fed isn’t feeling pressured, and for now, rates are staying put.

New Administration Offers Relief For Builders

On his first day, President Trump signed an executive order targeting high housing costs by reducing regulations that reportedly make up 25% of construction expenses—a move praised by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The NAHB, which plans to push its own 10-point plan addressing housing affordability, emphasized the need to cut excessive regulations, fix supply chain issues, and expand affordable housing. Trump also announced federal workforce changes, including a hiring freeze and back-to-office mandates, which could reshape the D.C. housing market by cooling demand or shifting it closer to employment hubs. Meanwhile, potential tariffs on Mexico and Canada could raise building material costs and spark inflation, while immigration policy changes might affect the construction workforce, especially in states like California, Texas, Florida, and New York, where migrant labor is most prevalent..