Finance

Escalating conflict between the U.S. and Iran has pushed Brent crude prices back above $100 per barrel, heightening long-term inflation fears. This geopolitical instability has directly impacted the housing market, with 30-year fixed mortgage rates climbing to 6.21% as bond markets react to persistent energy price pressures.

The American economy expanded at a 2.0% annualized rate in early 2026, a recovery from the previous quarter's performance which was hampered by a federal government shutdown. Growth was largely fueled by a surge in business investment and artificial intelligence infrastructure spending, which helped offset a drag from international trade and weaker January consumption.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced that newly purchased Series I savings bonds will pay a composite rate of 4.26% from May through October 2026. This increase from the previous 4.03% yield reflects a variable component tied to recent inflation data, offering investors a more attractive fixed-income option as traditional 10-year yields hold steady near 4.4%.