Today's topics include Jim discusses Mar-a-Lago accord, how can Bessent lower 10-year yields?, another change from pandemic times is sticking, mortgage rates take a slight dip, end of unicorn bubble, auto insurance rates, when does optimism turn into a stronger economy?, China's foreign investment outflow, a quick take on defense spending, and global energy usage.
Household debt in the U.S. stood at $18.04 trillion in the fourth quarter.
Credit utilization has risen since 2021.
People under 30 and over 70 hold a relatively small amount of debt compared to other age groups.
The average third party collection stood at $1631 in the fourth quarter.
Household debt broken down by delinquency status
Credit card debt is now 36% higher than it was pre-pandemic.
Mortgage originations remain well off the peak set in 2021.
Some interesting charts from our recent posts
Today's topics include more on yesterday's CPI release, the tariff wars, the accounting gimmickry of monetizing U.S. gold holdings, Fed independence, measuring the market's fragility, is the buy-the-dip mentality fading?, the Mag 7, Jamie Dimon's remote work frustrations boil over, and the winter freeze on the housing market