• December 30, 2024

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could go private, Bill Ackman says

Fannie Mae (FNMA) and Freddie Mac (FMCC) — the Federal National Mortgage Association and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, respectively — are trading higher after billionaire activist investor Bill Ackman said the companies could go private around 2026, exiting government conservatorship which the mortgage companies have been under since the 2008 housing crisis. Julie Hyman outlines what investors need to know on Market Domination. To watch more expert insights and analysis on the latest market action, check out more Market Domination here. This post was written by Naomi Buchanan.

  • December 30, 2024

US housing market: The factors that could set up a 2025 comeback

US pending home sales rose 2.2% in November, a hopeful sign the housing market could see some recovery in 2025 after a tumultuous 2024 marred by elevated mortgage rates. HousingWire lead analyst Logan Mohtashami joins Madison Mills to talk about key drivers for improvement in 2025, including a slowing economy and rising unemployment rates that could create an opportunity for mortgage rates to cool. “The one positive for 2025... is that mortgage spreads have gotten better, too, so you don’t need too much help from the ten-year yield," Mohtashami says. "If rates just get towards 6%, you could get demand growth easily in 2025," he adds. Read up on Yahoo Finance senior housing reporter Claire Boston's coverage of the latest home sales data. To watch more expert insights and analysis on the latest market action, check out more Wealth! here. This post was written by Josh Lynch

  • December 30, 2024

US pending home sales rise to highest level since early 2023

US pending home sales rose 2.2% month-over-month in November to reach a reading of 79, the highest reading reported by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) since February 2023. Catalysts anchors Seana Smith and Madison Mills report on the regional trends in the US housing market. To watch more expert insights and analysis on the latest market action, check out more Catalysts here. This post was written by Luke Carberry Mogan.

  • December 27, 2024

Why the materials sector struggled throughout 2024

The Materials sector (XLB) has declined about 1% in 2024, ranking it among the S&P 500's (^GSPC) worst-performing sectors this year. Yahoo Finance Senior Markets Reporter Ines Ferré analyzes the sector's performance throughout 2024, examining the factors behind its underwhelming results and how global economic slowdowns, particularly in China, have impacted materials companies. She also spotlights standout stocks for the year, including EcoLab Inc. (ECL) and Sherwin-Williams (SHW). To watch more expert insights and analysis on the latest market action, check out more Market Domination here. This post was written by Angel Smith